Fine needle aspiration cytology in the head and neck region.

Although needle aspiration diagnosis was described over 50 years ago, many patients with neck swellings are still subjected to hazardous and unnecessary open diagnostic surgical biopsy. In a six-month period, over 200 fine needle aspirates were performed on tumours from the head and neck region, 44% of which were positive for cancer. The technique of aspiration, its advantage for the patient, clinician and cytopathologist, and the results of the study will be discussed. Close cooperation between the clinician and the cytopathologist is essential.