Core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors

Czech version

Authors: M. Hyravý ¹; R. Salzman ¹; D. Fritzová ²
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku LF UP a FN Olomouc ¹; Ústav klinické a molekulární patologie LF UP a FN Olomouc ²
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 75, 2026, No. 2, pp. 140-145.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl2026140

Overview

Introduction: Parotid gland tumors are relatively rare neoplasms, with a predominance of benign lesions. Accurate histomorphological classification plays a crucial role in planning the appropriate treatment strategy. Tumor subtyping plays a key role in determining the surgical approach for primary sialomas. In selected cases, it may also support the choice of a conservative, non-surgical strategy. Image-guided minimally invasive biopsies represent an effective diagnostic tool in this context. Core needle biopsy (CNB) allows for the collection of tissue samples with minimal risk of complications while providing sufficient material for comprehensive histopathological evaluation. Materials and methods: This retrospective study includes a cohort of 61 patients who underwent a total of 68 CNB procedures of the parotid gland between June 2020 and December 2024. Based on the collected data, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The number and nature of complications were also assessed. Results: The overall sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing benign sialomas were 86.3% and 94.1%. For the subgroup of pleomorphic adenoma (PLA), the sensitivity was 82.1% and the specificity was 100%. For Warthin tumors (WT), sensitivity was 91.3 and specificity 97.8%. In the more heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms, sensitivity was 75%, while specificity remained at 100%. Three cases of minor complications were observed: two transient facial nerve branch pareses and one intratumoral hemorrhage. All resolved spontaneously without requiring medical intervention. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the diagnostic value of CNB in evaluating parotid gland neoplasms, particularly in the group of benign sialomas. The results in the malignant tumor group were influenced by heterogeneity and the limited sample size, which did not allow for stratification.

Keywords:

Biopsy – diagnosis – salivary glands – neoplasm

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