Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of sarcomas and related tumors

Abstract

Background: Largely due to a lack of experience, familiarity, and/or confidence, few centers rely on simple fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the diagnosis of sarcomas and related tumors. Methods: The authors have reviewed their own experience in more than 200 cases of FNAB of bone and soft-tissue tumors, as well as cases reported in the literature. Results: FNAB has proven to be accurate and useful in 8 consecutive years of clinical experience. No serious complications have occurred. Conclusions: FNAB is recommended as an integral part of the initial evaluation of amenable orthopaedic tumors, including sarcomas, especially in cases with classic clinical and radiographic findings.