Introduction: countless diseases can initially present as a neck lump, what turns its diagnosis not always easy. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a simple, safe and effective method in helping the diagnosis of neck lumps. Aim: evaluate the diagnostic performance of FNAB in neck lumps accomplished in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Study design: Retrospective, clinical, not randomized. Material and method: a retrospective study of 72 patients submitted to FNAB in SORL of HCPA between July, 1998 and December 1999. Patients¹ submitted to thyroid FNAB²,with incomplete data³ without follow-up and4 without definitive diagnosis of the lesion were excluded. The results of FNAB were compared with the definitive diagnosis, established by histopathologic exam (group I) or for clinical evolution or laboratory exams (group II). Results: 70 patients were included in the study, 7% presented unsatisfactory FNAB and, among the satisfactory materials, there were 88,6% of correct diagnosis. In group I it was found 8% of unsatisfactory FNAB and 88,2% of correct diagnosis, while in group II, 6% and 87,1%, respectively. The total index of success, including the unsatisfactory FNAB was 81,5%. Discussion: results confirm the high index of success diagnosis of FNAB described in the literature, confirming that this is a helpful method in diagnostic of neck lump. Like this, we are encouraged ourselves to follow using such procedure as a routine.
cervical tumor; puncture aspirativa for fine needle; cytology