Preoperative cytopathological investigatory aids in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions.

Abstract

Salivary gland lesions are a group of heterogeneous lesions inclusive of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions. History, clinical examination and preoperative investigations attempt to minimise the challenges faced in diagnosing these diverse lesions. Preoperative investigations include imaging and cytopathology. The advent of onsite evaluation methods to ensure sample adequacy and newer reporting systems that assign risk of malignancy has improved the sensitivity and specificity of cytopathology. The scope of this review is limited to the preoperative cytopathological investigations and the diagnostic challenges met in reporting salivary gland tumours.