Chemical analysis of cyst fluid is an option to be kept in mind

INTRODUCTION: Anamnesis, physical examination and radiological examination are generally sufficient to diagnose a cystic lesion in the neck. Fine needle aspiration (FNAB) biopsy is a diagnostic tool in the management of neck masses when indicated.
METHODS: 61 years old male patient admitted to our hospital because of a lesion in the neck region. The patient was unwilling for the excision of the lesion that a FNAB was performed. 4 cc opaque white material was sent to pathology and a portion of 1 cc was separated for chemical analysis for thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones.
RESULTS: Results showed that the cyst material contained 0,72 ng/mL thyroglobulin (1,6-50 ng/mL serum normal values), a free T4 level (0,55 ng/dL ) lower than the patients serum free T4 value (1,11 ng/dL) and a free T3 level (3,13 pg/mL) higher than the patients serum free T3 value (2,74 pg/mL). Cytology report confirmed a benign lesion.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: FNAC is a diagnostic tool in the management of neck masses. Currently, chemical analysis of aspiration material has very limited usage, but technical developments and new applications promise an extra aid in differential diagnosis of problematic lesions. If a FNAB is performed with any reason, it should be kept in mind that the aspiration material is probably suitable for chemical analyses of various parameters.