Aspiration cytology in carcinoma of the pancreas.

Abstract

Forty patients with pancreatic lesions resembling carcinoma were examined cytologically by peroperative aspiration biopsies. The Franz& one-hand-operated syringe with a 0.6 mm. (23 gauge) needle was used. No complications attributable to the biopsies were recorded. There were no false-positive or false-negative cytologic diagnoses. A doubtful statement was given in only two cases. It is concluded that the method has a high diagnostic accuracy. This depends equally on an adequate operative procedure providing representative material and a competent interpretation of the specimen.