Abstract / Summary
ABSTRACT Objectives Despite increasing use of core needle biopsy (CNB) for salivary gland lesions, its clinical utility requires further evaluation. As previous studies have focused mainly on surgically confirmed lesions, this study evaluated the diagnostic utility and reliability of CNB for major salivary gland lesions irrespective of treatment modality. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 217 patients who underwent major salivary gland CNB at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS, Helsinki, Finland) between 2020 and 2022. Patients were classified into surgical and follow‐up groups, with follow‐up data review of patient records for non‐operated patients through the end of 2024. Results Altogether, 247 CNB samples were obtained from 221 major salivary gland lesions. Ninety‐three patients (42%) underwent surgery, and 128 tumors in 124 patients (58%) were followed up only. Based on histologically verified cases, CNB demonstrated 93.8% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity for malignancy, with one false benign and one false malignant result. No malignancies were identified in the follow‐up group during a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up. Conclusion CNB is a highly accurate diagnostic tool for salivary gland tumors and may facilitate the identification of lesions that can be safely managed without surgery. Level of Evidence 3