The role of ultrasound-guided lung FNAC exam in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma

Abstract EN

Background : From June 2008 to August 2010, we were involved in the management of 166 cases with suspected bronchogenic carcinoma.

Ultrasound-Guided Lung Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) exam was performed to75 cases.

Aim : To assess the value and safety of ultrasound-guided lung FNAC exam in the diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma.

Methods : FNAC specimens from the lung were achieved under ultrasound guide from clinically fit patients with suspected pulmonary radiological shadows, immediate cytological study was performed after staining with Papanicoloua and Geimsa stain.

Results of the 75 patients with FNAC exam: A) In 57 cases, the results were bronchogenic carcinoma, and the following management steps prove no controversy between the final diagnosis and the FNAC results, except in one case where the biopsy result from resected lobe was TB infection, whereas the FNAC result was SCC of the lung (false positive result).

B) In 18 cases, the results were as follows : 1.

Six cases were with different benign looking results, but later investigations prove malignant nature of the case (false negative results). 2.

Four cases were with benign looking results, and their clinical state and radiological changes all resolve after a complete course of pneumonia management.

(true negative results). 3.

Three cases were with TB results with response to anti TB measures (true negative results) 4.

Five cases were with benign looking results but they didn’t continue their management under our supervision.

(discharged from the study). Conclusions : Ultrasound Guided FNAC Exam from suspected pulmonary masses provides accurate diagnosis with minimal complications.