Morphometric analysis of fine needle aspirates from breast lesions

In an attempt to discover the morphometric variables with the most diagnostic power in the differentiation of benign from malignant breast disease, 20 unequivocally benign and 20 unequivocally malignant and histologically confirmed breast aspirates were examined on an image analyser. It was found that standard deviation of nuclear area was the most discriminant variable. Then 23 aspirates initially diagnosed as 'suspicious of malignancy' were measured by the same technique, and standard deviation of nuclear area correctly differentiated all but three cases.     

Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma initially diagnosed as Hodgkin's disease by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology

A 45-year-old male presented with a large mass in the left axilla. FNA cytology was interpreted as Hodgkin's disease (HD), lymphocyte depletion (LD) type, but histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination showed features of Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Unrepresentative sampling by the FNA from the tumour periphery resulted in a false impression of dual reactive and neoplastic cell populations. which together with the frequent Reed-Sternberg-like cells led to the initial erroneous impression of HD. Therefore, the cytologic diagnosis of HD, LD should be approached with caution.     

The role of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in a district general hospital setting

The pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the role of FNA cytology in the clinical management of patients with thyroid swelling, in a District General Hospital (DGH) setting. One hundred and eleven patients were investigated over a period of 3 years, with a total of 142 fine needle aspirations. Statistical analysis showed a sensitivity of 71%, a specificity of 91% and a false negative rate of 2.7%. These results compare very favourably with other institutions. This study therefore shows that thyroid nodule FNA cytology can be performed in a DGH with a high standard of diagnostic accuracy, the results of which play a key role in patient management.