Needle-core biopsy in the pathologic diagnosis of malignant lymphoma showing high reproducibility among pathologists.

Abstract

To evaluate the role of needle-core biopsy in the pathologic diagnosis of lymphoma. One hundred and five cases with clinical suspicion for lymphoma were studied by 3 hematopathologists mimicking daily diagnostic service. The diagnostic result sheets were analyzed for diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility. The histologic pattern recognition by the 3 hematopathologists was also analyzed. The overall diagnostic accuracy, based on the consensus diagnosis, was 85% to 87%. High reproducibility of diagnosis in lymphoma was observed among pathologists. The tissue size was associated with the percentage of definitive diagnosis. Histologic patterns were well recognized on core tissues. Needle-core biopsy is an effective technique for the diagnosis of lymphoma and should be considered the first-line procedure for cases with suspicion for lymphoma.