Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of lung tumors

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was employed in the management of 66 patients with suspected pulmonary neoplasms. The most frequent indication for FNAB in this series occurred in 35 (53.0%) patients in whom the results of lesser procedures had been normal. Coexisting pulmonary disease, bilateral pulmonary lesions, distant metastases, and refusal to undergo surgical procedures accounted for the remaining patients. The results indicated a sensitivity (true-positive rate) of 95% and a specificity (true-negative rate) of 100%. Pneumothoraces followed aspiration biopsy in 8 patients (13.6% of the entire group), and a thoracostomy tube was required in 7 patients (10.6% of the entire group). The use of FNAB in patients suspected of harboring lung tumors furnished prompt and accurate results without serious complications. Increased experience by thoracic surgeons with this simple diagnostic tool is recommended.