Abstract
【Introduction】 Studies have reported that the amylase (Amy) level in the aspirated fluid of lateral cervical cysts (LCCs) is extremely high. Additionally, a high thyroglobulin (Tg) level in the wash-out fluid of lymph node needle biopsy has been reported to indicate metastasis from a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, no study has measured both Amy and Tg levels in the aspirated fluid of lateral cervical cystic lesions (LCCLs) for the purpose of differential diagnosis. The present study aimed to determine whether the measurement of both Amy and Tg levels in the aspirated fluid of LCCLs will help in the differential diagnosis of LCCLs.
【Methods】 The study included 10 patients with LCCLs between June 2012 and December 2014. Of the 10 patients, 2 were diagnosed with LCCs, 3 with PTCs, and 5 with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). In all patients, fine needle aspiration was performed, and Amy and Tg levels were measured.
【Results】 The LCC patients had extremely high Amy and low Tg levels. Two PTC patients had high Tg and moderate Amy levels, and one PTC patient had moderate Amy and low Tg levels. The Amy and Tg levels were normal to slightly high in the HNSCC patients.
【Conclusion】 The Amy/Tg level pattern appeared to be associated with the type of lesion. The measurement of Amy and Tg levels in the aspirated fluid of LCCLs may help in the differential diagnosis of LCCLs.
