Role of image-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of lung lesions in diagnosis and primary care of patients: Experience in a Government Medical College of Eastern India

CONTEXT: Lung cancer is the most common cancer affecting males worldwide. Its incidence in females is also on an increasing trend. Other conditions affecting lung-like tuberculosis are on a rise in middle-east countries due to overcrowding and poor living conditions. In developing countries, image-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lung lesions is a cost-effective method for early detection and apt treatment of patients by physicians. AIM: The main aim of this study is to identify the importance of computed tomography (CT)guided FNAC as an accurate and cost-effective tool in early diagnosis of lung lesions. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was prospective and retrospective study done in a government medical college of West Bengal, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a period of two years, 42 cases were included in the study. These were further subjected to evaluation of pulmonary mass lesions by CT guided transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology. RESULTS: Out of these 42 cases majority were males with cough being most common clinical presentation. On CT guided FNAC of pulmonary lesions 69% of cases were malignant. Cytoradiological correlation in this study was 90.4%. CONCLUSION: CT guided FNAC of lung lesions is an accurate, cost effective and quick technique for early diagnosis, referral and appropriate treatment of patients in developing countries.