Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of lymphoma: a perspective

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has become a widely used diagnostic tool and it remains one of the most rapid and cost-effective methods of assessing a variety of pathologic conditions. However, FNA as a method of evaluation of enlarged lymph nodes has been approached with a greater degree of caution and reservation, largely because Hodgkin's disease and the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas represent a diverse group of neoplasms, which is mirrored by a large range of histopathologic and cytologic appearances. For these reasons, adjunctive techniques such as immunohistochemical staining, cytogenetics, and molecular techniques have been introduced to improve the diagnostic accuracy. While such procedures have made significant contributions to the identification and typing of lymphomas, there is still a requirement for a simple and rapid diagnostic procedure for the patient who presents with persistent lymphadenopathy. Light microscopic examination of FNA smears fulfills this role, provided its limitations and pitfalls are recognised.