FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES OF LUMPS: HOW TO OBTAIN EVALUATE CYTOLOGY SLIDES

摘要

Cytology is a critical tool not only for the oncologist, but also for veterinarians in general practice. Cytology is easy, safe, fast, relatively inexpensive, and is often diagnostic. Cytology can be used to evaluate lymph nodes and masses (external or internal), and also fluids such as effusions and discharges. Results may change further diagnostic plans, treatment recommendations, or what a client chooses to do. For example, studies comparing evaluation of lymph nodes for metastatic disease via physical examination (PE) versus cytology showed 20-40% of patients felt to have normal or slightly enlarged lymph nodes on PE had metastatic disease found with cytology. Conversely, only 50-60% of patients with moderately to severely enlarged lymph nodes on PE had metastatic disease. Thus, PE only of lymph nodes has poor sensitivity and specificity for metastatic evaluation. Cytology is of great benefit in these cases.