[Cytomorphologic characteristics of malignant tumors of the mediastinum]

The cytomorphological characteristics of most frequently encountered malignant tumors of the mediastinum are described. Needle biopsy specimens of mediastinal neoplasms were examined in 152 patients, 77 of them (56,2%) having malignant tumors. In 118 cases pathomorphological study of the intraoperative or biopsy findings was performed. The correct positive cytological conclusion was made in 85 (56.2%) patients negative -- in 31 (20.3%), doubtful -- in 33 (21.7%), pseudopositive -- in 3 (1.9%).