Needle-Core Biopsy in the Pathologic Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphoma Showing High Reproducibility Among Pathologists

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of needle-core biopsy in the pathologic diagnosis of lymphoma. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.