Aspiration biopsy cytology.

After the presentation of the technique of the aspiration biopsy and the mode of preparation and staining of the smears, the author discusses the usefulness and limitations of this procedure in the diagnosis of benign and malignant lymph node lesions. Studies on blastocytic transformation in short-term tissue cultures in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin have indicated that the cells are unimpaired by the needling and/or the negative pressure used in the aspiration. Since the patient experiences little discomfort from fine needle biopsy, the aspiration biopsy of lymph nodes can also be used for sampling cell material in clinical research. The problem of dissemination of tumor cells via the needle track or efferent lymph or blood vessels is also discussed. The use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of malignant tumors does not appear to involve a risk of tumor spread.