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Spectrum of morphologic changes in lymph nodes attributable to fine needle aspiration
Human Pathology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can alter lymph node histology, rarely causing changes like infarction or necrosis. These FNAB-induced changes may impact subsequent diagnostic assessments, particularly in lymphoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a standard diagnostic method for lymphadenopathy.
- Morphologic alterations post-FNAB and their impact on histology are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate histologic changes in lymph nodes following FNAB.
- To determine if these changes interfere with subsequent histopathological assessment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 230 lymph node biopsies with prior FNAB.
- Analysis of morphologic changes, including hemorrhage, organization, infarction, and necrosis.
Main Results:
- Ten of 230 cases (4.3%) showed FNAB-attributable changes.
- Hemorrhage with organization, spindle cell proliferation, segmental infarction, and total coagulative necrosis were observed.
- Total infarction occurred in three cases of large-cell lymphoma, suggesting a higher risk in malignant lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- FNAB can rarely induce significant morphologic changes in lymph nodes.
- These changes, particularly infarction, may complicate histologic interpretation.
- Malignant lymphoma may increase the risk of FNAB-induced total infarction.