DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED TRANSTHORACIC FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY IN BRONCHOGENIC CARCINOMA

Background: Transthoracic FNAC is regarded as the most effective of the cytological methods for diagnosing lung cancer, in particular peripherally-located lesions. Notably, it demonstrates high accuracy in distinguishing between small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma, a clinically important differentiation. Aims & Objective: To assess the diagnostic value & safety of Ultrasound Guided Transthoracic Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology examination in Bronchogenic Carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Fine needle aspiration Cytology material from lung was obtained by Ultrasound Guided procedure from 31 suspected cases of malignant thoracic mass lesions on clinically & radiological work-up. Smear was made & stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin, Giemsa and Papanicoloua stain. Results: In the present study out of 31 cases, lung carcinoma was diagnosed in 28 cases (90.32 %). Out of 28 patients, 27 cases (96.42 %) were diagnosed to have Non-small cell lung carcinoma category (NSCLC) which was further classified into Adenocarcinoma 9 cases (29.63%) , Squamous cell carcinoma 8 cases (33.34%), Large Cell Carcinoma 3 cases (11.11%), Metastatic Carcinoma 2 cases (7.4%) and 5 cases (18.52 %) were unclassified. While only 1 case (3.58%) of Small Cell lung carcinoma category (SCLC) was diagnosed. In 2 cases inflammatory lesions were found and 1 case was inadequate for assessment. The diagnostic accuracy was 95%, sensitivity 96.55% and specificity 100% considering cytological criteria as the standard. Conclusion: We concluded that Transthoracic Fine Needle aspiration Cytology with Ultrasound guided procedure is simple, safe & cost effective diagnostic technique in Bronchiogenic Carcinoma, with early diagnosis and minimal complications.