The role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the investigation of superficial lymphadenopathy; uses and limitations of the technique

A Path of Novelty from Nanoparticles to Nanobots: Theragnostic Approach for Targeting Cancer Therapy

Pharmaceutical development of cancer therapeutics is a dynamic area of research. Even after decades of intensive work, cancer continues to be a dreadful disease with an ever-increasing global incidence. The progress of nanotechnology in cancer research has overcome inherent limitations in conventional cancer chemotherapy and fulfilled the need for target-specific drug carriers. Nanotechnology uses the altered patho-physiological microenvironment of malignant cells and offers various advantages like improved solubility, reduced toxicity, prolonged drug circulation with controlled release, circumventing multidrug resistance, and enhanced biodistribution. Early cancer detection has a crucial role in selecting the best drug regime, thus, diagnosis and therapeutics go hand in hand. Furthermore, nanobots are an amazing possibility and promising innovation with numerous significant applications, particularly in fighting cancer and cleaning out blood vessels. Nanobots are tiny robots, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. Moreover, the nanobots would work similarly to white blood cells, watching the bloodstream and searching for indications of distress. This review articulates the evolution of various organic and inorganic nanoparticles and nanobots used as therapeutics, along with their pros and cons. It also highlights the shift in diagnostics from conventional methods to more advanced techniques. This rapidly growing domain is providing more space for engineering desired nanoparticles that can show miraculous results in therapeutic and diagnostic trials.

The Diagnostic Yield of Excisional Biopsy in Cervical Lymphadenopathy: A Retrospective Analysis of 158 Biopsies in Adults

OBJECTIVES

Cervical lymph nodes are the most common site of peripheral lymphadenopathy. The underlying etiologies are usually benign and self-limiting but may include malignancies or other severe life-threatening diseases. The aim of the current study was to investigate the various underlying pathologies of cervical lymphadenopathy as assessed by the diagnostic yield of excisional lymph node biopsies of the neck in a tertiary adult practice. The evaluation was performed in light of previous literature and regional epidemiological patterns.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of hospital charts of 158 adult patients who underwent an excisional biopsy for suspected cervical lymphadenopathy at a tertiary referral head and neck service between January 2017 and December 2019.

RESULTS

The most common underlying pathology was unspecific and/or reactive lymphadenitis in 44.5% of specimens, followed by malignant disease in 38.6% of cases. An age above 40 years was significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of malignant disease. Lower jugular and posterior triangle lymph nodes showed higher malignancy rates than other groups (100% and 66.7%, respectively). The overall surgical complication rate was 2.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study serve as an indicator of the variety of etiologies causing cervical lymphadenopathy. In particular, given the increasing incidence of malignant diseases in recent decades, the findings should alert physicians to the importance of lymph node biopsy for excluding malignancy in persistent cervical lymphadenopathy especially in older adults. The findings emphasize the value of excisional lymph node biopsy of the neck as a useful diagnostic tool in adult patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy.

An economic evaluation of fine-needle cytology as the primary diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is commonly used to obtain a pre-surgical pathological diagnosis in many organs, but its cost-effectiveness in lymphadenopathy has not been studied yet. We calculated the cost and diagnostic accuracy of a diagnostic algorithm that uses FNAC as a first-line procedure and compared it to a purely surgical approach in 545 consecutive lymphadenopathies. In 74% of the cases, FNAC alone can obtain a sufficiently detailed diagnosis, avoiding the surgical biopsy. In doing so, the average cost of diagnosis is cut to less than one-third, the patient avoids an invasive procedure and the diagnosis is reached earlier. In conclusion, the systematic use of lymph node-FNAC in the initial assessment of lymphadenopathy is clinically and economically advantageous as it avoids surgical biopsies in cases where cytology can suffice.

The Evaluation of Lymphadenopathy in a Resource-Limited Setting

Lymphadenopathy (LAP) refers to abnormalities in the size or consistency of lymph nodes. A wide range of etiologies contributes to the difficulty in diagnosing LAP, from mild self-limited viral infections to grave autoimmune diseases and malignancies. Detailed history-taking and a thorough physical examination are essential. Some physicians in developing countries may consider therapeutic testing. Certain groups may require additional evaluations and special treatment. When treating LAP, the etiology is targeted, but corticosteroids should not be administered before a complete diagnosis has been established due to their ability to mask the histological diagnosis of lymphoma and malignancy. This review aims to provide more straightforward and affordable methods available in almost all healthcare settings, especially those with limited resources.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy Under the Assistance of Hydrodissection With Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of High-Risk Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized comparison of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) under the assistance of hydrodissection with fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness for the diagnosis of high-risk cervical lymph nodes. Patients from December 2018 to May 2020 were randomly assigned to the CNB group and the FNA group at a ratio of 1:1. This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019370). The feasibility of CNB for high-risk cervical lymph nodes was evaluated by observing and recording the separation success rate (SSR) and technical success rate (TSR) of the CNB group. Safety was evaluated by comparing the incidence of major complications in the two groups. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by comparing the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the two groups. A total of 84 patients (84 lymph nodes) were randomized into the CNB (n = 42) and FNA (n = 42) groups. All patients in the CNB group achieved successful hydrodissection and biopsy. The SSR and TSR were both 100% in the CNB group. There were no major complications during or after the process in the two groups. Compared with the FNA group, the CNB group was significantly superior in terms of diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity (100% vs. 81.0%, P = 0.009; 100% vs. 79.2%, P = 0.035, respectively). The specificity of the two groups was 100%, and there was no significant difference. Compared with FNA, CNB under the assistance of hydrodissection is a feasible and safe method but is more effective for the diagnosis of high-risk cervical lymph nodes.

Ultrasound core biopsies of neck lumps: an experience from a tertiary head and neck cancer unit

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, fine needle aspiration cytology was the primary diagnostic investigation for head and neck lumps; however, ultrasound-guided core biopsy offers the advantage of preserving tissue architecture with increased tissue yield. This study reviews the diagnostic utility of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for investigating head and neck lumps.

METHODS

Overall, 287 ultrasound-guided core biopsies were reviewed between May 2017 and April 2019 at a single tertiary site for head and neck cancer.

RESULTS

On initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy, a diagnostic sample was obtained in 94.4 per cent of patients and in 83.7 per cent of patients with lymphoma. Where the initial ultrasound-guided core biopsy was non-diagnostic, 50 per cent of samples were diagnostic on repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy. Overall, five complications were seen related to ultrasound-guided core biopsy, and all were managed conservatively. No cases of disease recurrence were identified at the biopsy site.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy is a safe procedure with a high diagnostic yield when investigating head and neck lumps. Patients whose ultrasound-guided core biopsies were non-diagnostic should be considered for excisional biopsy over repeat ultrasound-guided core biopsy.

Fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy of metastatic malignancy of unknown primary site

Metastatic malignancies of unknown primary site (MUP) is the eighth most common form of malignancy, with an estimated 10-15% of oncology patients having a MUP. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are often the first procedures utilized in the work-up of these cases and have a pivotal role for the diagnosis of metastases. There is an increasing emphasis on the precise classification of malignancy and determination of primary site of origin, utilizing smaller specimens. Recent available data suggest that there is a management benefit in identifying the primary site and/or specific cell lineage of MUP. In addition, the pathologists are asked to preserve the limited diagnostic material for potential molecular testing, as selected patients may benefit from targeted therapy. However, these tasks can become extremely challenging, especially if there is no previous history of malignancy, prior pathology is not available for review, or there is an unpredictable pattern of metastasis. In this review, we present a contemporary clinicopathologic approach to the work-up of MUP that includes cytomorphology, ancillary studies, and clinicopathologic correlation. The cytohistologic subclassification of malignancies into specific cell lineages and/or morphologic categories is presented. Knowledge of the various patterns of metastasis to common and unusual sites can help narrow down the location of a primary site. The use of ancillary studies with particular emphasis on IHC utilizing an algorithmic approach and the role of molecular analysis as a diagnostic and theranotic test are also discussed. When the cell block and/or CNB lacks sufficient material for ancillary testing, the cell transfer technique may be utilized.

Analysis of efficacy and safety of core-needle biopsy versus fine-needle aspiration cytology in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy and salivary gland tumour

In this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy and safety of fine-needle aspiration cytology and core-needle biopsy in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy or salivary gland tumour, and provided a basis for selecting the appropriate diagnostic method in clinical situations. A total of 278 patients were included in this study. The sensitivities of fine-needle aspiration cytology and core-needle biopsy were 66.7% and 100%, respectively, and negative predictive values were 92.6% and 100%, respectively, for diagnosing malignancy. In diagnosing lymphoma, fine-needle aspiration cytology gave false-negative results in all patients. In diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenopathy, the sensitivities of fine-needle aspiration cytology and core-needle biopsy were 33.3% and 91.15%, respectively, and the negative predictive values were 90.0% and 95.1%, respectively. The sensitivities of fine-needle aspiration cytology and core-needle biopsy were 42.9% and 100% in diagnosing malignant salivary gland tumours, and the negative predictive values were 91% and 100%, respectively. The results of this study showed that core-needle biopsy was superior in diagnosing and distinguishing critical diseases such as malignant lymphadenopathy and tuberculosis in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy and salivary gland tumour.

The Comparative Diagnostic Features of Canine and Human Lymphoma

The non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous family of lymphoid malignancies that are among the most common neoplasms of both dogs and humans. Owing to shared molecular, signaling, incidence, and pathologic features, there is a strong framework supporting the utilization of canine lymphoma as a comparative, large animal model of human NHL. In alignment with the biologic similarities, the current approach towards the diagnosis and classification of canine lymphoma is based upon the human World Health Organization guidelines. While this approach has contributed to an increasing appreciation of the potential biological scope of canine lymphoma, it has also become apparent that the most appropriate diagnostic philosophy must be multimodal, namely by requiring knowledge of microscopic, immunophenotypic, and clinical features before establishing a final disease diagnosis. This review seeks to illustrate the comparative similarities and differences in the diagnosis of canine lymphoma through the presentation of the microscopic and immunophenotypic features of its most common forms.

Castleman's disease of a submandibular mass diagnosed on Fine Needle Cytology: Report of a case with histopathological, immunocytochemical and imaging correlations

Castleman's disease (CD) is an unusual inflammatory lymphoproliferative disorder of uncertain aetiology, mainly involving lymphatic tissue in the mediastinum, but also occurring in the neck, lung, abdomen, pelvis, skeletal muscle and retroperitoneum. Fine Needle Cytology (FNC) is a quick, cost-effective and safe diagnostic modality to investigate on organs involved by CD, also providing a guide to treatment and management of patients with lymphoadenopathy. We report a case of a 44-year-old man who underwent FNC of a submandibular mass with subsequent surgical excision. Cytology revealed an atypical lymphoproliferative process, which arose the suspicion of CD. Histopathological study of the excised masses combined with immunhistochemistry and imaging of the submandibular and neck areas, confirmed the suspicion. A final diagnosis of Unicentric Castleman's disease, hyaline-vascular type, was made.

Comparison of liquid-based preparation and conventional smear of fine-needle aspiration cytology of lymph node

Background:

In this paper, we have compared the cytomorphologic characteristics of liquid-based preparation (LBP) [SurePath (SP)] cytology and conventional smear (CP) preparations on fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) material by a semi-quantitative scoring system for cases of lymphadenopathy.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, a total of 52 consecutive cases of FNAC of lymphadenopathy were included. The first pass was used for CP followed by LBP with the help of SP technique. The smears were independently compared and assessed by two observers (PS and PD).

Results:

The semiquantitative grading was compared in two groups by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The background information, cell architecture, pleomorphism, nuclear and cytoplasmic details, and three-dimensional structures were significantly different in LBP and CP smears.

Conclusions:

Liquid-based cytology (LBC) is a relatively simple technique, which exhibits good nuclear and cytoplasmic details with the absence of obscuring background material. Even the number of slides and area per slide to be screened were less than the conventional preparation but caution must be applied to interpret the slides and secure a diagnosis, especially if LBC is the first and only method applied for diagnosis.

Tularemia in differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy: cytologic features of tularemia lymphadenitis

OBJECTIVE

Tularemia can cause cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is the first step in the workup for cervical lymphadenopathy; however, little has been published regarding the cytomorphological features of tularemia lymphadenitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FNA cytology of tularemia lymphadenitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Review of medical records identified 36 patients with serologically proven tularemia, and who had undergone lymph node FNA. In each case, the original May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained FNA smears from enlarged cervical lymph node were reevaluated.

RESULTS

Suppuration and cytolysis were frequent cytological findings. Twenty-three (63.8%) of the 36 cases were assessed as suppurative inflammation. In 10 of these cases (27.8% of the total), cytolysis was prominent. In 7 cases (19.4%) the smears featured microgranulomas as well as suppuration, and 2 of these (5.6%) also featured giant cells. In 1 case (2.8%), there was caseous necrosis. In 2 cases (5.6%), the cytopathological findings were consistent with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Three aspirates (8.3%) were inadequate for evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Cytopathological findings on FNA of tularemia lymphadenitis are nonspecific; however, in regions where tularemia is endemic, this disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for suppurative lymphadenitis.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy in the diagnosis of lymphoma of the head and neck. A 9 year experience

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) in lymphoma of the head and neck, in particular whether core biopsy can provide sufficient diagnostic information for definitive treatment.

METHODS

All lymphomas diagnosed in the head and neck at Eastbourne General Hospital between January 2000 and June 2009 were identified. Radiology and pathology reports were reviewed and the diagnostic techniques recorded. The type of biopsy (fine needle aspiration, needle core, surgical excision biopsy) used to establish a diagnosis sufficient to allow treatment, i.e. the "index" diagnostic technique, was identified. Previous inconclusive or inadequate biopsies were noted. Pathology reports based on USCB were graded 0-3 according to diagnostic completeness and ability to provide treatment information.

RESULTS

Of 691 overall cases of lymphoma diagnosed over the 9 year period, 171 different patients presented with lymphoma in the head and neck. Of these 171, 83 had USCB biopsy during diagnostic work up. 60 were regarded as grade 3 where a confident diagnosis of lymphoma was made. In seven patients, clinical management proceeded on the basis of a suggestive (grade 2) pathology report without surgical excision, and these were therefore also included as "index" biopsies. Overall therefore, 67/83 core biopsies (81%) provided adequate information to allow treatment. Surgical excision biopsy was the index modality in 104 cases.

CONCLUSION

In the majority of cases USCB is adequate for confident histopathological diagnosis avoiding the need for surgical excision biopsy in cases of suspected head and neck lymphoma.

US-guided fine-needle aspiration of major salivary gland masses and adjacent lymph nodes: accuracy and impact on clinical decision making

PURPOSE

To determine whether ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an effective technique for diagnosing masses in the salivary gland and adjacent lymph nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board waived the requirement to obtain informed consent and approved this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study. Radiology records of 50 patients (28 female patients aged 25-85 years [median age, 58 years], 22 male patients aged 11-82 years [median age, 62 years]) who underwent 52 consecutive US-guided FNA procedures from 2004 to 2009 were reviewed. In 46 cases, lesions were sampled for biopsy under real-time US guidance by means of three passes with a 25-gauge needle. In six cases, two subsequent passes were performed with a 22-gauge needle after the first pass showed minimal or no aspirate. Findings from cytopathologic analysis, clinical follow-up, and surgery were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

A diagnostically adequate biopsy specimen was obtained in 48 of the 52 cases (92%). Among the 20 patients who underwent surgical intervention after diagnostic US-guided FNA findings, results of surgical-pathologic analysis helped confirm the cytologic diagnosis in 19 (95%). Twenty of the 50 patients (40%) were spared surgical intervention on the basis of findings from US-guided FNA. US-guided FNA did not result in any intra- or postprocedural complications.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic accuracy of US-guided FNA is similar to that of core needle biopsy, and there were no complications in this study. Information yielded with FNA cytology plays an integral role in clinical decision making in the management of masses in the major salivary glands and adjacent structures.

Lateral ectopic thyroid goiter with a normally located thyroid

BACKGROUND

Midline ectopic thyroid tissue is a common pathological entity. In contrast, laterally located ectopic thyroid tissue with a normally located thyroid gland is a very rare condition in head and neck surgery.

SUMMARY

We report the association of laterally located multinodular thyroid tissue and a normally located multinodular goiter. A woman was seen in the otolaryngology clinic with a right submandibular mass. Clinical examination and investigations confirmed the presence of a multinodular goiter in an ectopic thyroid gland.

CONCLUSION

Laterally located ectopic thyroid tissue is a very rare condition. Ectopic thyroid tissues can undergo the same pathological changes as a normally located thyroid gland. Ectopic thyroid goiter together with a normally located multinodular goiter is a rare entity, and this is the first to be reported in North America.

Waiting time to lymph node biopsy is dependent on referral method: don't write, phone!

INTRODUCTION

Patients with lymphadenopathy are commonly referred to general surgeons for diagnostic lymph node biopsy. We were concerned at potential long waits for this service in our hospital and thus wanted to compare the efficiency of written and telephone referral with a view to identifying the optimum care pathway for these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients were included in a 2-year retrospective review (excluding referrals associated with breast lumps which were managed separately). Hospital Episode Statistics data were used to analyse notes for the source and method of referral, waiting time to biopsy, clinic attendance and diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of referrals, 33% were from haematology and 28% from general practice. Overall, 47% of patients were referred by letter; of these, 64% were seen in clinic before biopsy. Personal referral between clinicians, by direct discussion, e-mail or fax led to a mean wait of 4 days, compared to 51 days when patients were referred by letter. Clinic attendance had no significant bearing on diagnostic accuracy or complication rate. Neoplasia accounted for 43% of diagnoses and infection (including four cases of tuberculosis) for 10%. Of biopsies, 33% showed benign changes, 8% were unrecorded and 5% were incorrect.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, 43% of biopsies revealed malignancy and we advise that lymph node biopsy requests should be managed on a fast-track pathway, expedited by direct personal request. Following this study, we have implemented a fast-track pathway for such patients.

Diagnostic biopsy of lymph nodes of the neck, axilla and groin: rhyme, reason or chance?

INTRODUCTION

Improving patient pathways of care is becoming increasingly important in the delivery of timely, appropriate surgical care. With this aim, we analysed the referral and management pathway of patients undergoing diagnostic superficial lymph node biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of case notes of patients undergoing diagnostic superficial lymph node biopsy over 3 years, 1998-2000 at the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust. Indication for surgical biopsy was based on clinical suspicion following assessment in the out-patient clinic for the majority, and arrangement of investigations as deemed appropriate. There were no clinical algorithms in use during the study period.

RESULTS

There was no evidence for the use of explicit protocols for referral or management. Biopsy was often delayed. Of 268 patients referred from primary care, referral was made to any of 14 hospital Department with 39% (105 of 268) attending more than one outpatient appointment, and 155 (41 of 268) attending more than one department. Eighteen percent (47 of 268) of patients were informed of their diagnosis within 6 weeks of referral and 42% (113 of 268) within 3 months of referral. Nine percent (24 of 268) underwent pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology. Of patients with enlarged neck nodes, 29% (52/180) had examination of the upper aero-digestive tract.

CONCLUSIONS

The study supports the introduction of co-ordinated problem-based referral and management pathways for the management of patients with enlarged superficial lymph nodes supported by regular audits of practice.

Efficacy of laparoscopic mesenteric/retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy

BACKGROUND

Lymphadenopathy-identified incidentally during computed tomography (CT) mandates a tissue diagnosis. When percutaneous techniques are not possible, surgical tissue diagnosis becomes necessary. Laparotomy is the current gold standard; however a laparoscopic approach offers many potential benefits.

METHODS

This institutional review board (IRB)-approved study evaluated all patients undergoing laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node biopsy from 2001 to 2007 at the Cleveland Clinic. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, pathologic diagnosis, conversion to laparotomy, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 30 cases were reviewed. In this group, 67% were males and 33% were female; mean age was 48 years. Ten patients underwent mesenteric lymph node sampling and 20 (67%) underwent retroperitoneal tumor resection. There were four (17%) conversions and no complications. Lymphoma was the most common pathologic finding.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic lymph node biopsy is a safe effective alternative to open surgical biopsy.

Does the surgeon still have a role to play in the diagnosis and management of lymphomas?

BACKGROUND

Over the course of the past 40 years, there have been a significant number of changes in the way in which lymphomatous disease is diagnosed and managed. With the advent of computed tomography, there is little role for staging laparotomy and the surgeon's role may now more diagnostic than therapeutic.

AIMS

To review all cases of lymphoma diagnosed at a single institution in order determine the current role of the surgeon in the diagnosis and management of lymphoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Computerized pathology records were reviewed for a five-year period 1996 to 2000 to determine all cases of lymph node biopsy (incisional or excisional) in which tissue was obtained as part of a planned procedure. Cases of incidental lymphadenopathy were thus excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 297 biopsies were performed of which 62 (21%) yielded lymphomas. There were 22 females and 40 males with a median age of 58 years (range: 19-84 years). The lymphomas were classified as 80% non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 18% Hodgkin's lymphoma and 2% post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Diagnosis was established by general surgeons (n = 48), ENT surgeons (n = 9), radiologists (n = 4) and ophthalmic surgeons (n = 1). The distribution of excised lymph nodes was: cervical (n = 23), inguinal (n = 15), axillary (n = 11), intra-abdominal (n = 6), submandibular (n = 2), supraclavicular (n = 2), periorbital (n = 1), parotid (n = 1) and mediastinal (n = 1). Fine needle aspiration cytology had been performed prior to biopsy in only 32 (52%) cases and had suggested: lymphoma (n = 10), reactive changes (n = 13), normal (n = 5), inadequate (n = 4). The majority (78%) of cervical lymph nodes were subjected to FNAC prior to biopsy whilst this was performed in only 36% of non-cervical lymphadenopathy.

CONCLUSION

The study has shown that lymphoma is a relatively common cause of surgical lymphadenopathy. Given the limitations of FNAC, all suspicious lymph nodes should be biopsied following FNAC even if the FNAC is reported normal or demonstrating reactive changes only. With the more widespread application of molecular techniques, and the development of improved minimally-invasive procedures, percutaneous and endoscopic techniques may come to dominate, however, at present; the surgeon still has an important role to play in the diagnosis if not treatment of lymphomas.

A study to evaluate the efficacy of image-guided core biopsy in the diagnosis and management of lymphoma--results in 103 biopsies

The reason for this study was to evaluate the ability of image-guided core biopsy to replace surgical excision by providing sufficient diagnostic and treatment information. All consecutive image-guided core biopsies in patients with a final diagnosis of lymphoma over a 6-year period at our institution were collected retrospectively. Case notes and pathology reports were reviewed and the diagnostic techniques used were recorded. Pathology reports were graded according to their diagnostic completeness and their ability to provide treatment information. Out of a total of 328 instances of lymphoma, 103 image-guided core biopsies were performed in 96 patients. In 78% of these, the diagnostic information obtained from the biopsy provided a fully graded and subtyped diagnosis of lymphoma with sufficient information to initiate therapy. In the head and neck 67% of core biopsies were fully diagnostic for treatment purposes compared to 91% in the thorax, abdomen and pelvis. Image-guided core biopsy has a number of cost and safety advantages over surgical excision biopsy and in suitable cases it can obviate the need for surgery in cases of suspected lymphoma. This is especially relevant for elderly patients and those with poor performance status.

Sonographically guided core needle biopsy of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of sonographically guided core needle biopsy (core biopsy) for diagnosing the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-five sonographically guided core biopsies performed in 155 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were retrospectively evaluated. None of the 155 patients had any known primary malignancy. Final diagnoses were determined by the histologic examination from excision biopsy when performed or by the clinical and sonographic follow-up for more than 12 months. When a lymph node diagnosed as benign by sonographically guided core biopsy regressed spontaneously or by subsequent management, the diagnosis made by the sonographically guided core biopsy was considered correct. When a lymph node diagnosed as benign by sonographically guided core biopsy was unchanged or increased in size with subsequent management, excision biopsy was performed. Diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and complications of core biopsy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Histologic diagnosis could be made by sonographically guided core biopsy in 146 (94%) of the 155 patients. The histologic diagnoses were reactive hyperplasia in 44 patients, tuberculosis in 37, Kikuchi disease in 25, metastasis in 16, lymphoma in 16, normal in 7, and toxoplasmosis in 1. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of sonographically guided core biopsy were 97.9%, 99.1%, and 97.9%, respectively. There were no procedure-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonographically guided core biopsy is a safe and efficient tool for diagnosing the cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients without known malignancy and may obviate unnecessary excisional biopsy.

Sonographically Guided Core Biopsy of A Parotid Mass

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of sonographically guided core biopsy in the evaluation of parotid masses.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between 1998 and 2004, 135 patients consecutively presenting with a parotid mass were prospectively enrolled into this study. A single operator performed initial diagnostic sonography and then sonographically guided core biopsy using local anesthesia. Biopsy was performed with an 18- or 20-gauge needle and a spring-loaded biopsy gun with a mean of two passes per patient. Outcome measures were accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of sonographically guided core biopsy compared with the final pathologic diagnosis in the surgical group. In the nonsurgical group, final diagnosis was established on the basis of histologic findings after adequate core biopsy and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

All sonographically guided core biopsy specimens were considered satisfactory for histologic evaluation. Overall there were 71 benign tumors, 35 malignant tumors, and 29 miscellaneous, nonneoplastic lesions. In 76 (56%) of the 135 patients who underwent surgery, sonographically guided core biopsy and surgical histologic findings were correlated for 74 patients. In two cases sonographically guided core biopsy and surgical histologic findings did not correlate. In one case, the sonographically guided core biopsy finding was mucoepidermoid carcinoma, but the final diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. In the other case, the finding at sonographically guided core biopsy was squamous cell carcinoma, but the final diagnosis was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The treatment of these patients was not affected. Fifty-nine (44%) of the 135 patients avoided surgery. In differentiation of benign from malignant disease, sonographically guided core biopsy had a sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 100%. Sonographically guided core biopsy also had positive and negative predictive values of 100% in the diagnosis of malignancy. There were no significant complications of sonographically guided core biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Sonographically guided core biopsy is a highly accurate technique for evaluation of parotid lesions and can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure. Sonographically guided core biopsy has potential advantages over fine-needle aspiration cytologic examination, particularly in the typing and grading of lymphoma and carcinoma and in improved differentiation of reactive nodal hyperplasia from lymphoma. The use of sonographically guided core biopsy may help reduce the need for surgical biopsy and facilitates prompt referral to the appropriate clinical team.

Diagnosing a parotid lump: fine needle aspiration cytology or core biopsy?

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been widely adopted for the cytological diagnosis of parotid lumps. FNAC does have drawbacks, even under optimum conditions and may be associated with poor levels of diagnostic accuracy, particularly outside the specialized clinic environment. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy (USCB) is a relatively recently described technique in the parotid gland which has been well tolerated and has demonstrated a high degree of diagnostic accuracy in several studies. This article discusses the merits and pitfalls of FNAC, together with the technique of USCB and also highlights the potential advantages benefit provided by USCB in parotid diagnosis.

The reliability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy as the initial diagnostic procedure for palpable masses

BACKGROUND

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a reliable, rapid, minimally invasive alternative to surgical biopsy when it is performed by physician specialists for the diagnosis of palpable masses. FNAB may be under-utilized in community hospitals in the U.S. because physicians without specialty training commonly provide the service, resulting in less reliable results.

METHODS

Records were reviewed retrospectively from 730 consecutive FNAB cases that were performed and interpreted by expert cytopathologists practicing in an outpatient community hospital setting between 2000 and 2004. Data concerning patient demographics, referring physician specialty type, body sites, diagnoses, specimen adequacy, accuracy of diagnosis, and follow-up were examined and analyzed.

RESULTS

FNAB was diagnostic in 93% of patients and was 95% accurate. There were 5 false-negative results and no false-positive results for the diagnosis of malignancy. The overall sensitivity of FNAB was 93%, and the specificity was 100%. Using either histology or clinical follow-up, the positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 99%.

CONCLUSIONS

Highly reliable results can be obtained when patients are referred to specialty-trained cytopathologists practicing in the community for FNAB of palpable mass lesions. Clinicians are encouraged to seek out and support specialized FNAB services in their own communities.

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy for the diagnosis of lumps in the neck: results in 82 patients

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of nodes (n = 78) and other lumps (n = 4) in the neck allowed a firm histological diagnosis in 76 of 82 patients (93%). Of the remaining six patients, histological examination was equivocal in four and valueless in two. Of 18 patients with a diagnosis of lymphoma only 3 required excision of the node to provide additional information for the planning of treatment.

Best Practice No 185. Cytological and molecular diagnosis of lymphoma

With the advances in molecular pathology, the cell as a morphological and functional unit has become essential in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Conventional staining, preparation, and interpretation of cells, as seen in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), often used as a first line investigation of lymphadenopathy, is being supplemented with an array of immunocytochemical and molecular analyses, aimed not only at a more precise disease definition, but also at recognising factors that can predict prognosis and response to treatment. Accepting the pitfalls of conventional cytomorphology, this review looks at molecular changes characteristic to particular lymphomas and explores the currently available technology for their detection, with particular reference to cytological material. Future protocols for the diagnosis and management of patients with lymphadenopathy should include FNAC as an initial investigation, followed by immunocytochemistry and molecular investigations. Tissue biopsy, the conventional method of diagnosis, may be avoided in selected cases.

The diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the assessment of palpable supraclavicular lymph nodes: a study of 218 cases

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the assessment of palpable supraclavicular lymph nodes. The material was analysed in 218 cases with enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes in which FNAC was performed by the conventional method. In all cases cytological examination was performed on-site after staining the smears by the Papanicolaou method. In addition, air-dried smears, fixed smears, filter preparations from needle washings and cell blocks were studied. The FNAC diagnosis was supported by examining cell blocks which added the reliability of histological architecture; further support was obtained by tissue biopsy and/or comparison with the primary tumour in some of the cases. Eleven cases were diagnosed as inflammatory lesions and 41 cases were unsatisfactory because of scanty/acellular samples (despite two to three repeat samplings). However, in five of these, malignant tumours were later found on biopsy, which was done for persistent enlargement of the supraclavicular lymph node(s). Fifty-three cases were diagnosed as negative for malignancy (normal cellular elements, n=15; reactive elements, n=38) and 12 cases were suspicious of malignancy. In 11 cases a diagnosis of lymphoma was made on histology and in 90 cases metastatic tumours were diagnosed. The overall sensitivity was 92.7%, specificity 98.5%, positive predictive value 97.3% and the negative predictive value was 94.8%. Based on our study we feel that FNAC of palpable supraclavicular lymph nodes as a first line of investigation is a cost-effective procedure and is not only useful in the diagnosis of various lesions but can also help in deciding on appropriate management. Furthermore, the histological architecture from cell blocks can be correlated with cytology, and such material can be used for appropriate histochemical and immunomarker studies, which can be useful in enhancing the diagnosis.

A comparative review of melanocytic neoplasms

Melanoma is a devastating disease frequently encountered within both veterinary and human medicine. Molecular changes linked with neoplastic transformation of melanocytes include mutations in genes that encode proteins intrinsic to the regulatory pathways of two tumor suppressor proteins (retinoblastoma protein and p53), proto-oncogene mutation to oncogenes, altered expression of epithelial cadherin and CD44 adhesion molecules, and upregulation of angiogenic factors and other growth factors. Histologic evaluation of the primary mass is the most common means of diagnosis, with cytology used more frequently to document metastasis. Melanoma's highly variable histologic and cytologic patterns can make diagnosis by either method problematic. Adherent epithelioid morphology, including signet ring forms, and nonadherent round and spindle forms are recognized, with pigmentation an inconsistent finding. The site of the tumor, the thickness of the primary tumor or depth of invasion, and the number of mitotic figures per high-power field or per millimeter are used histologically to predict biologic behavior, whereas site and degree of pleomorphism are typically used for cytologic preparations. Diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma can be aided by ancillary diagnostic techniques. Tumor cells are usually positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase, and Melan-A, and negative for cytokeratin. Melan-A as a positive marker is not as sensitive as the others are but is likely more specific. Monoclonal antibodies to human melanosome-specific antigens 1 and 5 cross-react with canine antigens for a combined sensitivity rate of 83%. Mouse monoclonal antibody IBF9 specifically recognizes canine melanoma antigen and also has good sensitivity. Serologic markers, including cytokines, cell adhesion molecules, and melanoma-inhibitory activity, are being investigated as potential sentinels of melanoma. Currently, there is no single diagnostic technique capable of differentiating benign from malignant melanocytic neoplasms or predicting survival time.

[A study of cervical metastases from unknown primary tumor]

Cervical metastases of cancer of an unknown primary tumour (CMUPT) are infrequent but they represent botha diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for ENT physicians. We present a retrospective study over 22 patients with CMUPT diagnosed in our hospital during 13 years (3.4% of the patients with head and neck cancer). The sensitivity of the fine-needle aspiration technique was 94.7%. 54% were N2a, 36% N3 and 9% N2b. 73% were squamous cell carcinoma and 27% were undifferentiated carcinoma. We established our protocol on diagnosis and management: panendoscopy with biopsies of nasopharynx, vallecula and pyriform sinus and ipsilateral tonsillectomy. The primary source was identified in 23% of the series. All squamous cell carcinoma were treated with radical neck surgery plus radiotherapy and the undifferentiated carcinoma with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The overall survival was 64% at 3 years. The N-stage affected the survival rate.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma: a cytopathologic, immunocytochemical, and flow cytometric study

BACKGROUND

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a postthymic lymphoproliferative neoplasm of T cells caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1). Most cases are found in Japan, the Caribbean basin, and West Africa.

DESIGN

To identify diagnostic parameters for cytology in this neoplasm, the authors undertook a retrospective review of all ATLL samples from 1990 to 2000.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen samples from 34 patients with the diagnosis of ATLL were reviewed: 80 cerebrospinal fluids, 7 pleural effusions, 4 bronchoalveolar lavages, 2 peritoneal effusions as well as fine-needle aspirations of 15 lymph nodes, 4 subcutaneous lesions, and 2 breast nodules. Twenty-one patients were women and 13 were men, with an age range of 30 to 71 years. Morphologically, all specimens were characterized by the presence of a polymorphous population of lymphocytes ranging from small bland-appearing lymphocytes to large atypical ones with bizarre, multilobulated nuclei (flower-like or clover leaf cells) with coarse chromatin and prominent nucleoli. The cytoplasm was deeply basophilic with occasional vacuoles. Immunocytochemistry was performed on 17 specimens from 14 patients. In all cases tested, tumor cells were immunoreactive for CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD25 and were nonimmunoreactive for CD7 and CD8. Flow cytometry was performed on 12 specimens from 9 patients. The tumor cells in all cases tested were positive for CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, and CD25 and were negative for CD7.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the polymorphous nature of ATLL, diagnosis can be established by close attention to nuclear cytologic features in conjunction with ancillary studies such as immunocytochemistry and/or flow cytometry.