The role of aspiration cytology in a radiotherapy and oncology centre.

The role of aspiration cytology for a Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology was assessed in 158 patients with a wide range of tumours. Aspirates were taken from breast, lymph nodes, skin, bone, muscle and subcutaneous tissues. Malignant cells were identified in 91% of 107 malignant tumour aspirates. There was one possibly false positive report on a lymph node aspirate. Fifty other lesions were aspirated in which no malignant cells were seen, and were subsequently found to be benign. Aspiration cytology was found to be a simple, cheap and convenient investigation which was useful in the management of 83% of the whole group of patients, and detrimental to none.