title: Fine-needle aspiration cytology of tumors: diagnostic accuracy and potential pitfalls.
abstract: FNA biopsy is a quick, safe, and inexpensive method for obtaining material for pathological diagnosis. It is most useful in the diagnosis of a malignant tumor. In experienced hands it is highly accurate, and many of the pitfalls in cytological interpretation can be avoided with increased practice. Special training is required to become proficient in both obtaining and interpreting aspirated material. It is not sufficient for pathologists to apply personal experience from tissue pathology to the diagnosis of cytological specimens. Current indications are the FNA biopsy will be used with increasing frequency for reasons involving both clinical practice and cost containment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Zakowski
mesh_terms: D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis