[Thin-needle aspiration cytology of palpable lymph nodes. Analysis of 702 consecutive cases].

Seven-hundred-two needle aspirates were taken from palpable lymph nodes between january 1982 and june 1987. Cytohistological correlation in about 70% of the preparations showed that the technique is capable of detecting neoplastic cells in 99% of metastases and in 90% of lymphoma cases. Certain technical aspects of smear preparation are pointed out with a view to reducing the percentage of inadequate samples (14% in the present series) and the position of the technique among other diagnostic procedures is discussed, with evaluation of advantages and limitations.