Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of unclear lesions in melanoma patients

Aim: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely used in oncology to o btain the diagnosis of unclear tumours in cancer patients. However, because the method is established only in few melanoma centers, we performed this study to evaluate ultrasound guided FNAC in routine follow-up of melanoma p atients. Method: Unclear tumours recognised during routine follow-up of melanoma pat ients underwent ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration with cytological e xamination. The results were then compared to subsequent histopathology or future clinical outcome. Results: 275 unclear tumours received ultrasound guided fine needle aspirat ion with cytological examination. Sensitivity showed to be 95.6% [95% Cl: 9 1.5 - 98.1], specificity was 100% [95% CI: 96.2-100.0], The positive predic tive value was 100,0% [95% Cl: 97.9-100.0], the negative predictive Value 9 2,2% [95% Cl: 85.1 % - 96.9%]. In 89 cases lesions turned out to be cytolog ically benign thus diagnosis avoiding surgery. In lesions with diameters up to 10mm sensitivity and specificity were 91.4% and 700.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided FNAC proved to be a minimal invasive procedur e in the diagnosis of unclear tumours in the follow-up of melanoma patients . It allows definite diagnosis and avoids unnecessary diagnostic surgery.