Ultrasonically Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Renal Masses

Abstract

A consecutive series of 301 ultrasonically guided fine needle aspiration biopsies of renal masses was reviewed. The retrieval rate was 95% and a correct cytological diagnosis was established in 82% of the cases. There were 14 false positive aspirates, for a predictive value of a malignant aspirate of only 93%. All false positive results were misinterpreted as relatively well differentiated adenocarcinoma. Renal fine needle aspiration biopsy may add information but the risk of a false positive finding must always be considered.