[The echo-guided fine-needle biopsy of thoracic and abdominal masses].

Five hundred and seventy-two US-guided fine-needle biopsies were performed on 561 patients (1.2 puncture/patient); in two cases only minor complications were observed. The patients were 12 to 86 years old--most of them ranging 40 to 75.

[Reliability of cytodiagnosis from washings and free fluid in the staging and follow-up of ovarian tumors].

181 diagnostic correlations between endocelomatic free-fluid or washing cytology and histological findings during staging or follow-up of patients suffering from ovarian cancer have been assessed. On the basis of the evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of endocelomatic cytology, its importance in diagnostic protocols for evaluating the presence or persistence of disease is reiterated.

[Cytodiagnosis of suspect lesions of the esophagus and stomach. Histocytological correlations in 435 cases].

This report analyses the results obtained using endoscopic cytodiagnosis in upper gastrointestinal lesions. Cytological and bioptic samples were taken from 435 lesions, in 435 patients. Specificity was 0.

The fine needle aspiration cytodiagnosis of masses in major salivary glands. Cyto-histological correlations in 65 cases.

In this study the authors report data regarding 65 cases of FNAC in major salivary glands masses, in which this method provided specific and sensitive data for the presence or absence of tumors, though in a more limited way, in order to precise the oncological type. In the routine use of the method it is possible to appreciate its high versatility and accuracy; this is a great aid in the indispensable mutual understanding between the surgeon and the pathologist. All this brings a more rational "management" of the patients, considering that the eventual surgical demolition in this region must be pondered taking also the functional, aesthetic and psychologic effects induced into account.