Diagnosis of abdominal malignancy by radiologic fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy in 100 consecutive patients with suspected abdominal malignancy yielded a positive diagnosis in 69 (82%) of 84 patients in cases ultimately proven to have cancer in the area sampled. Of 21 pancreatic cancers, 18 (86%) were detected; 24 (83%) of 29 liver lesions, usually metastases, were identifed; and 16 (78%) of 22 retroperiteonal masses, most frequently metastatic lymph nodes, were correctly diagnosed. Overall success rate for epithelial malignancy was 67 (85%) of 79 and far exceeded the yield in lymphomatous masses where two (40%) of five cases were detected. Several radiologic guidance methods were used including computed body tomography in 41%, ultrasonography in 45%, and fluoroscopy with or without conventional contrast agents in 14%. Complications were negligible. In a subgroup of 20 patients in whom a positive diagnosis was obtained, separate analysis of the cytologic specimen revealed that the first needle pass contained definitive material in 15 (75%) of 20 cases. The results confirm the effectiveness, safety, and wide applicability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy for nonsurgical confirmation of advanced or unresectable intraabdominal malignancy.