Needle aspiration biopsy of pulmonary, hilar, and mediastinal masses.

The use of small needles (20 gauge or smaller) has made it possible to safely biopsy hilar and mediastinal masses as well as central and peripheral lesions in the lungs. The diagnostic accuracy of needle biopsy currently makes it the preferred method for obtaining tissue samples in patients with peripheral (non-endobronchial) lesions in the lung. Needle biopsy of the hilum and mediastinum frequently makes it possible to avoid more invasive procedures in the staging of patients with known or suspected bronchogenic carcinoma and to obtain a diagnosis in patients with mediastinal masses of unknown etiology.