Feasibility of a novel classification for parotid gland cytology: A retrospective review of 512 cytology reports taken from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals.

Abstract

A novel classification for parotid cytology has been previously proposed. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and clinical relevance of this classification. Between 2010 and 2013, cytology reports from 4 United Kingdom general hospitals were retrospectively classified and compared to histological and clinical outcomes. Based on the cytology reports of 512 patients, we revised our previous "P" system to a "Sal" (salivary) classification to encompass all cytologic outcomes. The percentage of patients with a final diagnosis of malignancy according to each category heading were: Sal 1 (inadequate) 7.9%; Sal 2I (nonneoplastic) 10%; Sal 2N (benign neoplastic) 1.4%; Sal 3 (atypical) 20.4%; Sal 4 (suspicious) 52.6%; Sal 5P (primary salivary gland malignancy) 71.4%; Sal 5NOS (malignancy not otherwise specified) 100%; and Sal 5M (metastasis) 91.7%. By stratifying the probability of encountering a malignant neoplasm, the classification could guide clinical management decisions. A future prospective study is warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.