Cytological diagnosis of skeletal lesions

Description: ine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a safe and efficient method for the discrimination between benign, primary malignant and metastatic bony lesions. We have now studied metastatic lesions to assess the diagnostic accuracy and to ascertain whether FNAB allows identification of the primary lesion. Between 1990 and 1997, 447 patients were referred for diagnosis of skeletal lesions of unknown type. Of these 119 proved to have metastatic disease, either myeloma or lymphoma. Nine were excluded leaving 110 consecutive patients with metastatic carcinoma (80), myeloma (16) or lymphoma (14). FNAB gave a correct diagnosis in 102 of the 110 patients (93%). In eight it was inconclusive.
Cytological diagnosis of skeletal lesions. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy in 110 tumours. Wedin R, Bauer HC, Skoog L, Söderlund V, Tani E. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000 Jul;82(5):673-8 Full text