Objective: To review the morphological features of salivary gland fine-needle aspirates (FNA) on ThinPrep® (TP) preparations. Emphasis is placed on the commonalities and specific differences between TP and conventional smear (CS) preparations. Study Design: The cytology and surgical pathology archives were searched for ‘salivary' or ‘parotid' at our institution from 2003 to 2013 for cases processed by TP and with a range of specified diagnoses and surgical follow-up. These cases were reviewed by the authors. A review of the known literature was also performed. Results: Morphological features and artifacts were noted for the most common salivary gland lesions. General features noted in the literature were identified, along with novel features identified on our review of cases. Emphasis was placed on cellular alterations, extracellular differences and architectural changes. Conclusions: The multitude of both benign and malignant lesions coupled with the unique artifacts encountered on TP makes salivary gland FNAs difficult for most practicing pathologists and cytopathologists. For this reason, many laboratories have been reluctant to implement TP preparations for these lesions. With knowledge of the specific artifacts and differences on TP compared to CS, TP can be used with confidence without a compromise in diagnostic accuracy for adequately cellular samples.

1.
Michael CW, Hunter B: Interpretation of fine-needle aspirates processed by the ThinPrep technique: cytologic artifacts and diagnostic pitfalls. Diagn Cytopathol 2000;23:6-13.
[PubMed]
2.
Mygdakos N, Nikolaidou S, Tzilivaki A, Tamiolakis D: Liquid-based preparation (LBP) cytology versus conventional cytology (CS) in FNA samples from breast, thyroid, salivary glands and soft tissues. Our experience in Crete (Greece). Rom J Morphol Embryol 2009;50:245-250.
[PubMed]
3.
Parfitt JR, McLachlin CM, Weir MM: Comparison of ThinPrep and conventional smears in salivary gland fine-needle aspiration biopsies. Cancer Cytopathol 2007;111:123-129.
[PubMed]
4.
Hipp J, Lee B, Specter ME, Jing X: Diagnostic yield of ThinPrep preparation in the assessment of fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland neoplasms. Diagn Cytopathol, in press.
[PubMed]
5.
Al-Khafaji BM, Afify AM: Salivary gland fine-needle aspiration using the ThinPrep® technique: diagnostic accuracy, cytologic artifacts and pitfalls. Acta Cytol 2001;45:567-574.
[PubMed]
6.
Operator's Manual: ThinPrep Processor. Marlborough, Cytyc, 1992.
You do not currently have access to this content.