The typing of non-Hodgkins lymphomas using fine needle aspiration cytology.

Fine needle aspiration cytology smears and histology sections from 53 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were reviewed blindly and independently to determine the accuracy of cytological subtyping of NHL. It was decided to use the Kiel classification as it is based on cytological criteria. There was full agreement between the cytological and the histological classification in 44 of 53 cases. The cases were correctly assigned to a good or bad prognostic group in 48 of 49 instances in which a cytological diagnosis was made. It is felt that fine needle aspiration biopsy for cytology is sufficiently accurate to be of practical value in the following circumstances. 1. As a sole morphological diagnosis so as to avoid major surgery in cases of advanced disease without superficial node involvement. 2. To assess the extent of node involvement following histological diagnosis without further surgery. 3. In the selection of a representative node for surgical biopsy. 4. In the investigation of recurrent disease.