Fine needle aspiration cytology of intrathoracic lesions--a repraisal.

FNAC was performed in 186 cases. Inadequate material was obtained in 41 cases. A definite diagnosis of malignancy could be made in 120 cases. In five cases a diagnosis "suspicious" of malignancy could be made. No serious complication was encountered with the technique. FNAC is of definite help in diagnosing the intra thoracic lesion whether malignant or inflammatory in nature. It also avoids unnecessary thoracotomy for diagnostic purposes.