title: Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of pancreatic and other abdominal masses.
abstract: Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of 18 patients with pancreatic masses, and 19 with other intra-abdominal tumors, showed it to be a safe, accurate procedure. A diagnostic biopsy yield was obtained in over 85% of the cases without clinical complications. Indications for fine needle biopsy are: (a) to avoid surgery by obtaining a histologic diagnosis; (b) to determine the staging of a neoplastic disease process; and (c) to facilitate treatment planning. The technique of "skinny needle" biopsy is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology