Assessment of percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology as a technique to provide diagnostic and prognostic information in neuroblastoma

摘要: Abstract The International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS) criteria for diagnosis requires an unequivocal pathological and favours the identification of prognostic markers in samples. Surgical biopsies primary tumour bone marrow (BM) sampling metastatic disease constitute major sources material laboratory. We analysed possibility percutaneous fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) constituting alternative procedure to conventional technique children with advanced neuroblastoma. From July 1987 through 1998, 64 consecutive suspected having neuroblastoma referred our institution underwent FNAC deeply located tumours. was performed using 22-gauge needles under ultrasound guidance, before any chemotherapy within first days following admission. No complication occurred after FNAC. median number extracted cells 2.3×10 6 (range: 0–40.6×10 ). Cytology analysis possible 59/64 cases (92%) immunocytochemistry 56/64 (88%) allowing confirmation diagnosis. N-Myc available 46/64 (72%). In addition, presence a partial deletion chromosome 1p (del 1p) assessed, since 1992, 24/47 (51%), where enough were available. is safe information few hours provided reliable biological majority cases. More invasive procedures are required only selected