[The fine-needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes suspected of malignancy. Its diagnostic value and capacity to predict the histogenesis].

To examine the usefulness of fine needle aspiration cytology in the investigation of patients with enlarged lymph nodes, the authors made a retrospective evaluation of the results of 1158 aspirations in 838 patients (630 male, 208 female, mean age 44 [4-90] years). In these 1158 cases the diagnosis was verified histologically, serologically or by follow up extending over at least six months. In 94.6% (n = 1096) the aspirate gave an unequivocal diagnosis, in 4.2% (n = 48) the diagnosis was equivocal and in 1.2% (n = 14) no diagnosis was reached. There were 773 correct malignant results, 368 correct benign results and 16 false benign; in one case the assessment was false malignant. Sensitivity was 98% and specificity 99.7%. In benign lymphadenopathies the investigation achieved a specificity of 99.7%, and in metastases and malignant lymphomas the sensitivity was 97.8% and 98.2% respectively. In 211 out of 286 aspirations the cytological diagnosis correctly predicted the subsequent histological diagnosis; in 58 cases correct though imprecise expressions such as "highly malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma" were employed. No serious complications were encountered. Fine needle aspiration cytology enables the clinician to devise an exact diagnostic and therapeutic plan in nearly every patient with unexplained lymph node enlargement.