Usefulness of combining rapid on-site cytologic evaluation with fine-needle aspiration cytology of the neck lymph nodes

Abstract

Objective : Rapid tissue sampling to make a definitive diagnosis by combining rapid on-site cytologic evaluation (ROSE) with fine-needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes was investigated.

Study Design : The subjects were 27 patients who underwent lymph node dissection after fine-needle aspiration cytology of the cervical lymph node. The number of days to lymph node dissection after fine-needle aspiration cytology was investigated and the cyto- and histological diagnoses were compared between before and after the introduction of ROSE.

Results : The number of days to lymph node dissection after fine-needle aspiration cytology was significantly shorter after the introduction of ROSE. On comparison between the cyto- and histological diagnoses, the accurate diagnosis rates were 90 and 88.2% before and after the introduction of ROSE, respectively.

Conclusion : The combination of fine-needle aspiration cytology of a lymph node with ROSE facilitated rapid tissue sampling as needed, which may facilitate prompt treatment.