Aspiration (puncture of needle) biopsy in bone lesions

In certain bone tumor cases bone puncture is more profitable than sample excision. Whenever necessary we are using both methods in our practice. The results of 7165 puncutre biopsies are presented. A definite diagnosis by needle biopsy could be established in 771 tumors, including 254 myelomas and 174 osteogenic sarcomas. The aspiration or needle biopsy will require some experience not only on the part of the pathologist, but also of the surgeon. The pathologist must be sufficiently familiar with the clinical and radiographic evidence before interpreting the cytologic or the histopathologic specimen.