Diagnosis of abdominal malignancy by radiologic fine-needle aspiration biopsy

• Published in: American journal of roentgenology (1976) Vol. 134; no. 2; pp. 323 - 330
• Main Authors: Ferrucci, JT, Jr, Wittenberg, J, Mueller, PR, Simeone, JF, Harbin, WP, Kirkpatrick, RH, Taft, PD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Am Roentgen Ray Soc 01-02-1980
• Subjects: Abdominal Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Abdominal Neoplasms - pathology; Aged; Barium Sulfate; Biopsy, Needle - adverse effects; Biopsy, Needle - methods; Female; Fluoroscopy; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - secondary; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphography; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Neoplasms - pathology; Retroperitoneal Neoplasms - pathology; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
• ISSN: 0361-803X; 1546-3141
• DOI: 10.2214/ajr.134.2.323

Fine needle aspiration biopsy in 100 consecutive patients with suspected abdominal malignancy yielded a positive diagnosis in 69 (82%) of 84 patients in cases ultimately proven to have cancer in the area sampled. Of 21 pancreatic cancers, 18 (86%) were detected; 24 (83%) of 29 liver lesions, usually metastases, were identifed; and 16 (78%) of 22 retroperiteonal masses, most frequently metastatic lymph nodes, were correctly diagnosed. Overall success rate for epithelial malignancy was 67 (85%) of 79 and far exceeded the yield in lymphomatous masses where two (40%) of five cases were detected. Several radiologic guidance methods were used including computed body tomography in 41%, ultrasonography in 45%, and fluoroscopy with or without conventional contrast agents in 14%. Complications were negligible. In a subgroup of 20 patients in whom a positive diagnosis was obtained, separate analysis of the cytologic specimen revealed that the first needle pass contained definitive material in 15 (75%) of 20 cases. The results confirm the effectiveness, safety, and wide applicability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy for nonsurgical confirmation of advanced or unresectable intraabdominal malignancy.