Cytodiagnostic accuracy of hepatic malignancy by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

The role of fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNABC) as a diagnostic device in suspected malignant liver diseases has been studied in 245 cases from July 1984 to December 1988. Out of 245 cases 196 (80%) showed malignancy by aspiration cytology. Analysis showed hepatocellular carcinoma in 46 cases (18.78%) and metastatic deposit in 150 cases (61.22%). Cytology missed diagnosis in one case (0.41%) which was found to be positive for malignancy after exploratory laparotomy. The diagnostic accuracy was 99.59%. There was no false positive report. There was no complication. The procedure was well accepted by the patients. FNABC is a simple, quick, economical, safe and reliable procedure for detection of malignancy. It is advantageous in situations wherein it substitutes a major procedure like exploratory laparotomy.