The diagnostic value of chest X-ray combined with fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients suspected for pulmonary hamartomas.

Hamartomas of the lung are usually discovered incidentally during chest X-ray in asymptomatic patients. Their differentiation from lung carcinoma or metastases may not be possible by radiography. Transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy is an important and safe diagnostic tool in that differentiation. In our institution we have been practising this method since 1971. By combining clinical information, radiological appearance of the pulmonary lesion and the cytological report we achieved safe diagnosis in 31 of 33 patients. Surgical biopsy was avoided in 29 patients. Based on this series we recommend transthoracic fine-needle aspiration biopsy as the first diagnostic step in evaluating solitary pulmonary lesions suspected of pulmonary hamartomas.