Does needle size affect diagnostic yield of transthoracic needle biopsy in malignant pulmonary lesions?: Comparison of 18-, 22- and 25-gauge needles in surgical specimens

Abstract

Needle size did not affect diagnostic yield or accuracy for malignant lesions. Smaller needles such as 22-gauge needle would appear to be suitable for transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary lesions.

Techniques for thyroid FNA: A synopsis of the National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine‐Needle Aspiration State of the Science Conference

“…In a study of needle sizes in the diagnosis of lung caner, Unver et al found that 18-, 22-, and 25-gauge needles had no significant differences in diagnostic yield or cell type concordance. 6 Needles come in two basic bevel styles. 7 For FNA purposes, the long or regular bevel needles are the best, are the most commonly available, and are the typical needles used for intramuscular injections.…”

Randomized Study of 21-gauge Versus 22-gauge Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Needles for Sampling Histology Specimens

“…In other needle aspiration procedures, such as conventional TBNA, [16][17][18] transesophageal endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration 19,20 or transthoracic needle aspiration, 21,22 varioussized needles can be used. However, only a dedicated 22-gauge needle has been available for EBUS-TBNA until recently, and a 21-gauge needle was finally developed recently and is now available.…”

Respirology year‐in‐review 2006: Clinical science

“…In 35 resected surgical specimens, Unver et al . showed that the diagnostic sensitivity of needle aspiration was similar using 18‐, 22‐ and 25‐gauge needles 14 …”

“…In 35 resected surgical specimens, Unver et al showed that the diagnostic sensitivity of needle aspiration was similar using 18-, 22-and 25-gauge needles. 14 Readers are reminded that not all pulmonary nodules turned out to be malignant. Various case reports published in Respirology attested to the variety of other pathologies that may mimic lung cancers, including endobronchial mucosal lesions from Churg-Strauss syndrome, 15 atypical mycobacterium infection, 16 dirofilariasis (infection of the dog heartworm) and chest wall involvement from multifocal mesenchymal hamartoma.…”