title: Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thoracic cage including the pleura--clinical value.
abstract: In a series comprising 122 patients with a lesion localized to the thoracic cage or pleura the value of fine needle aspiration biopsy has been analyzed. In 53 patients the cytological reports were decisive for further clinical evaluation and management. Two false negative reports were recorded. No complications occurred. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is recommended as first diagnostic step since it is well tolerated by the patients, without complication and has a fair diagnostic safety.
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D006801:Humans; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D013909:Thorax / Q000473:pathology*