Anterior mediastinal masses: utility of transthoracic needle biopsy.

摘要: The results of 143 transthoracic needle biopsies (TNBs) in 126 patients with anterior mediastinal masses were compared the final diagnosis, which was proved pathologic study (n = 95) or clinicoradiologic methods 31). In 26 lymphoma, sensitivity TNB 42%; specificity, 96%. 15 Hodgkin disease, 20%. 28 thymoma, 71%; 94%. 11 germ cell tumors, 91%; 98%. 33 metastatic disease 70%; 100%. cytologic specimens examined light microscopy and Papanicolaou method only, a limitation that explains difficulty differentiating lymphoma from thymoma can now be overcome immunohistochemical study. is useful tumors. Lymphoma are less reliably diagnosed unless...