FNA 2.0: Value of cytopathologist-performed ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy.

Abstract

In the late 20th century, pathologist-performed palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration (PG-FNA) of superficial masses was popularized in the United States. It brought pathologists out of the laboratory to see patients and the hope of decreasing the need for surgical biopsy for diagnostic purposes. This first iteration of minimally invasive tissue sampling could be informally called FNA 1.0. FNA 1.0 had shortcomings, such as detection of invasion in breast cancer, precise subtyping of lymphomas, aspiration of fibrous lesions, and diagnosis of sarcomas. The early 21st century brought new hope. Ultrasound-guidance became commonly used to guide FNA of both palpable and non-palpable masses. Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy was available to complement FNA in select cases. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, and genomic studies could be done on cell block and core biopsy specimens. These advances in minimally invasive tissue diagnosis could be informally called FNA 2.0. In particular, pathologist-performed ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy can overcome many of the criticisms and shortcomings of FNA. As pathologists were once leaders in palpation-guided fine-needle aspiration, they now have the opportunity to add pathologist-performed ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy to their skill set and emerge once again as leaders in minimally invasive tissue diagnosis. This will bring pathology to the next level.