Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy in the diagnosis of head and neck masses: indications, technique, and results.

BACKGROUND Unclear cervicofacial masses are common presentations that often require tissue sampling to guide therapy. While open biopsy is invasive, fine-needle aspiration cytology includes a high rate of nondiagnostic samples. METHODS A retrospective analysis on 181 core-needle biopsies in 88 patients was performed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsies in the head and neck. RESULTS We experienced 100% success in obtaining high-quality histopathologic specimens. The target tissue was correctly sampled in 80 of 88 patients. In these patients the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of core-needle biopsies in differentiating benign from malignant cervicofacial lesions was 98.1%, 100%, and 98.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsies can be recommended as a safe and reliable technique in the diagnosis of cervicofacial masses with a high diagnostic yield. It obtains tissue samples of high quality and represents a sufficient alternative to open biopsy even in the diagnosis of lymphoma.