[Cytomorphological features of fine needle biopsy cytology of mediastinal lesions].

Mediastinal lesions examined by fine needle biopsy cytology in 66 cases are presented. The properties of the lesions were confirmed by cytology in 50 cases. The diagnosis of 40 cases was compared with histopathology. Conformation rate of the diagnosis was 80% (32 out of 40 cases). The diagnosis was correct in 84.2%. Clinical data, such as roentgenologic, physical, hematologic examinations, symptoms and age of the patients may provide important clues for the use of fine needle biopsy cytology in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions. The cytological characters of thymoma and benign teratoma and differential diagnosis for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and metastatic small cell carcinoma were discussed. Limitation of fine needle biopsy for the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions wis emphasized.