Diagnostic yield of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Biopsy (FNAC/FNAB) in Thoracic Mass Lesions

Abstract

Objective: To describe the diagnostic yield of  USG and CT guided fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy (FNAC/FNAB) in the bronchogenic carcinoma presenting as localized thoracic mass lesions. 

Study Design: Descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This descriptive study was carried out in the Pulmonology Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from March 2011 to Oct 2011.

Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. All the patients were subjected to bronchoscopy first and then FNAC/B. 

Results:  Out of 60 patients, 40 (66.66%) were males and remaining 20 (33.33%) were females. As regards age of the patients, Most of the (36%) were in the age group 41-50 years. Of the total 6o patients 28( 47%) were smoker. Majority of the patients (72%) belong to urban areas.  Chest radiograph showed right lung involvement in 36 (60%) cases. USG guidance was sought in 15(25%) cases where as CT guidance was taken in 45(75%)cases

( FNAC) was also done in all cases with radiological /USG /CT guidance in all cases.  Out of 60 cases, 37 (61.6%) were suffering from primary malignancy of lung (Table-4). Out of 37 cases of malignancy the squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed in 18 (48.6%) cases.

Conclusions: It is concluded from the study that percutaeous aspiration biopsy/cytology of the lung has a definite diagnostic role in lung lesions particularly those situated peripherally. FNAC/FNAB is especially more useful in those lesions not visible through bronchoscopy. FNAC is safe procedure especially when guided by computed tomography(CT) or USG.