BMJ  2004;329:244-245 (31 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7460.244

Editorial

Fine needle aspiration cytology in cancer diagnosis

Is quick, cheap, and accurate when used appropriately

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) entails using a narrow gauge (25-22G) needle to collect a sample of a lesion for microscopic examination. It allows a minimally invasive, rapid diagnosis of tissue but does not preserve its histological architecture. In some cases this limits the ability to make a definitive diagnosis. As with any invasive procedure there are risks, and as with all diagnostic tests involving sampling and interpretation, important diagnoses can be missed. False negative results and occasional complications of the technique have been reported as proof that it is "useless and dangerous."¹ However, accuracy and complications need to be compared with robust published data about alternative techniques before abandoning fine needle aspiration. Clinicians require clear communication with the cytopathologist to ensure that the procedure is appropriate for the question being addressed and that both understand the answer in the same terms. The rapid diagnosis possible with fine needle aspiration . . . [Full text of this article]

(derek.roskell@orh.nhs.uk)

Department of Cellular Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Lee, H., Yoon, T.-J., Figueiredo, J.-L., Swirski, F. K., Weissleder, R. (2009). From the Cover: Rapid detection and profiling of cancer cells in fine-needle aspirates. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 106: 12459-12464 [Abstract] [Full text]  
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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

FNAC is effective even in the hands of surgeons if done properly

Diwa Nath Das
bmj.com, 30 Jul 2004 [Full text]

Useful if you can get it

John P Brush
bmj.com, 3 Aug 2004 [Full text]

Most die with thyroid cancer, not from it. Over-investigation may cause harm

Harry Rogers
bmj.com, 19 Mar 2009 [Full text]

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