Transthoracic needle aspiration.

Transthoracic needle aspiration is a safe and highly accurate method in the diagnosis of intrathoracic malignancy and should be considered as the procedure of choice in metastatic disease, mediastinal masses, small peripheral nodules, and chest wall involvement. The ability of the radiologist to treat complications and to perform biopsies on an outpatient basis has led to increased acceptance and use of this procedure.