[Thin-needle aspiration biopsy applied in the diagnosis of salivary gland tumours].
The diagnostic methods applied in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Pomeranian Medical Academy used for preliminary diagnosis of salivary gland tumours and tumour-like lesions are described. The frequency of these methods and their usefulness in preoperative diagnosis are discussed. On the basis of own experiences the place of thin-needle aspiration biopsy is established among these methods. Advantages and limitations of this method are described, stressing the changes in the frequency of use of other diagnostic methods after the introduction of thin-needle aspiration biopsy. A model of diagnostic management is proposed for cases of salivary gland tumours and tumour-like lesions.