[Fine needle aspiration of thoracic lesions]

Recent radiologic techniques can detect masses as small as 1 cm in diameter. In combination with fine needle aspiration (FNA), quick and reliable diagnosis of thoracic lesions is now possible and the methods are now accepted worldwide. Several studies have shown that FNA is more sensitive than conventional cytology (including sputum smears and bronchoscopic brushes and washes). Although complications and risks are associated with FNA, they are minimal compared to those of thoracotomy. Between 1976-1990, FNA was performed on 107 patients with pulmonary lesions. In 97 of them, the aspirates were positive for malignancy in 76%, in 7% there was a suspicion of malignancy, and 15% were negative. Diagnostic accuracy was similar for lesions 1 cm or 3 cm in diameter.