Thin needle biopsy of solid tumors in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Cytopathology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Thin needle biopsy is a standard procedure for tumor diagnosis.
• Cytologic examination provides crucial diagnostic material.
• Solid tumors in children require accurate and timely diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic yield and accuracy of thin needle biopsy in children with suspected solid malignant tumors.
• To assess the safety and complication rate of the procedure in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Sixty children with suspected solid malignant tumors underwent thin needle biopsy.
• Biopsies were performed on masses located in bone, abdomen, mediastinum, tongue, pharynx, soft tissue, and peripheral lymph nodes.
• Diagnostic yield and accuracy were assessed, with follow-up for all patients.

Main Results:

• The initial diagnostic yield was 66%, increasing to 93% with repeated biopsies.
• Diagnostic accuracy reached 97% when confirmed by histology.
• No false-negative diagnoses were proven, and only two (3%) false-positive diagnoses for malignancy occurred.
• The procedure demonstrated a high safety profile with no significant complications.

Conclusions:

• Thin needle biopsy is a highly accurate and safe method for diagnosing solid malignant tumors in children.
• Repeated biopsies are valuable for improving diagnostic yield.
• The procedure facilitates prompt diagnosis and treatment planning for pediatric cancers.