[Fine needle aspiration cytology under ultrasonographic imaging]

Although fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) is widely used in the otolaryngology, few hospitals perform it in conjunction with ultrasonographic imaging. Despite the benefits of ultrasonographic imaging-assisted FNA, it is not widely utilized due to the prevalent misperception that the procedure is exceedingly complicated. In an effort to refine FNA procedures under ultrasonographic imaging (focusing on safety and simplification), we conducted a study on outpatients with neck tumors. We developed the following guidelines. 1. The aspiration was conducted free-hand without the use of mechanical devices such as special probes and/or aspiration adaptors. 2. Positioning of the probe was adjusted so that the puncture site was centered in the image. 3. When the tumor was located near the carotid artery or jugular vein, the probe was adjusted so that both the tumor and the blood vessel could be observed in the same image. 4. The needle was introduced at the center of the probe from the sliced direction. The needle injection route was then adjusted in line with phase crossing at right angles with the scanning field of the probe. 5. The depth of the puncture was adjusted in accordance with the angles between the probe and the needle. From June 1985 to December 1990, FNA under ultrasonographic imaging was conducted on 149 patients. It was possible to compare both cytological and histological studies. According to site, lymph nodes ranked highest in 52 cases, followed by parotid glands (45) and thyroid glands (27). A 5 or 7.5 MHz probe was used with 21- or 22-gauge injection needles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)