[Cytological examination of fine needle aspirates of supraclavicular lymph nodes].

In 170 of 244 fine needle aspiration biopsies of suspicious supraclavicular lymph nodes performed over the course of a decade, the medical records were available for study. In 67 cases aspirations were by the staff of the Cytological Department, while 103 were by the ward and clinic physicians. Among the former about 6% were nonrepresentative, and among the latter 32%. In all cases in which a cytological diagnosis of malignancy was made, it corresponded either to the available histological diagnosis or to the final diagnosis. In all cases with a benign cytological diagnosis, either the available histological diagnosis or the long term follow-up was in accord. The malignant lymph nodes aspirated drained regional as well as distant tumors. 82% (23/28) of the malignant nodes draining distant tumors were on the left side.