Audit of transthoracic fine needle aspiration of the lung: cytological subclassification of bronchogenic carcinomas and diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Abstract

FNAC is an accurate and safe method for the evaluation of lung nodules and it enables subclassification of bronchogenic carcinomas in the vast majority of cases. It is also useful for the diagnosis of tuberculous pulmonary nodules. Immediate assessment optimises specimen adequacy; inadequate/non-malignant smears in particular, need clinical correlation, close follow-up and re-biopsy, if necessary.