Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the evaluation of metastatic disease.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes was performed in 47 patients with abnormal lymphograms during the course of evaluation for metastatic disease. The biopsies were positive for malignant tumor in 11 patients. Utilizing established cytopathologic criteria a definitive diagnosis could be established. Fine needle aspiration of abnormal lymph nodes detected by lymphography is an easily performed, accurate diagnostic technique.