Pancreatic tumors: diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathologic findings.

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cellular block collection have been crucial in diagnosing pancreatic lesions, enabling more precise analysis of their biological behavior. Their safety and reliability have reduced the need for surgical procedures, as well as morbidity and mortality, leading to decreased healthcare costs. This retrospective, descriptive, and comparative study aims to identify the relationship between the results of pancreatic cytology obtained via endoscopic ultrasound and the histology of the surgical specimen. The population included patients who underwent total or subtotal pancreatectomy and had prior cytology at the pathology service of the La Trinidad Medical Center between January 2014 and May 2024. Twenty-three cases of pancreatectomy (partial and total) with prior cytology and histopathological analysis were included. The mean age was 63 years with a standard deviation of ±12.38. The sex distribution was 17 women and 6 men. In 21 of the 23 patients (91%), a positive correlation between cytological and histopathological diagnoses was observed, while in 2 patients (9%) there was no concordance. Sensitivity was 91%, and the positive predictive value was 0.91. The implementation of high-precision diagnostic methods, such as endoscopic ultrasound, allows for the collection of highly specific samples, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis, which is crucial for treatment planning.