Usefulness of Light Microscopy in Lymph Node Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

• Published in: Acta cytologica Vol. 46; no. 2; pp. 364 - 368
• Main Authors: Serrano Egea, Anastasio, Martínez González, Miguel A., Pérez Barrios, Andrés, Alberti Masgrau, Nuria, de Agustín de Agustín, Pedro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland Science Printers and Publishers 01-03-2002
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy, Needle - economics; Biopsy, Needle - methods; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Hematology; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Lymph Nodes - pathology; Lymphoproliferative Disorders - diagnosis; Lymphoproliferative Disorders - pathology; Medical sciences; Microscopy - economics; Microscopy - methods; Middle Aged; Original Articles; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Sensitivity and Specificity; Performance evaluation; Human; Pathology; Adenopathy; Cytopathology; Malignant hemopathy; Hemopathy; Diagnosis; Technique; Fine needle aspiration biopsy
• ISSN: 0001-5547; 1938-2650
• DOI: 10.1159/000326735

To evaluate light microscopic examination of lymph node fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in order to determine the indications for ancillary procedures and biopsy.
Reports and smears from 693 consecutive lymph node FNABs were reviewed. Fifty-five cases were excluded because of inadequacy of the material, and another 26 were excluded because follow-up information was not available.
Cytologically, 220 cases were diagnosed as positive for malignancy and 392 as negative. Global sensitivity was 94.1% and specificity 96.9%. Sensitivity was higher for nonlymphoid neoplasms (98.2%) than for lymphoproliferative disorders (82.8%).
Lymph node FNAB is a cost-effective procedure, and with adequate cytologic examination and follow-up, a large number of biopsies and time-consuming ancillary techniques can be avoided.