A Proposal for the Performance, Classification, and Reporting of Lymph Node Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytopathology: The Sydney System

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Al Abbadi, MA (Author) Other; Barroca, H (Author) Other; Bode Lesniewska, B (Author) Other; Calaminici, M (Author) Other; Caraway, NP (Author) Other; Chhieng, DF (Author) Other; Cozzolino, I (Author) Other; Ehinger, M (Author) Other; Field, AS (Author) Other; Geddie, WR (Author) Other; Katz, RL (Author) Other; Lin, O (Author) Other; Medeiros, LJ (Author) Other; Monaco, SE (Author) Other; Rajwanshi, A (Author) Other; Fernando Schmitt (Author) FMUP; Vielh, P (Author) Other; Zeppa, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Acta Cytologica

Vol. 64

Pages: 306-322

ISSN: 0001-5547

Publisher: Karger

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 44 Citations

Scopus - 52 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-FHZ

DOI: 10.1159/000506497

Abstract (EN): Background:The evaluation of lymph nodes (LN) by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is routinely used in many institutions but it is not uniformly accepted mainly because of the lack of guidelines and a cytopathological diagnostic classification. A committee of cytopathologists has developed a system of performance, classification, and reporting for LN-FNAC.Methods:The committee members prepared a document that has circulated among them five times; the final text has been approved by all the participants. It is based on a review of the international literature and on the expertise of the members. The system integrates clinical and imaging data with cytopathological features and ancillary techniques. The project has received the endorsement and patronage of the International Academy of Cytology and the European Federation of the Cytology Societies.Results:Clinical, imaging, and serological data of lymphadenopathies, indications for LN-FNAC, technical procedures, and ancillary techniques are evaluated with specific recommendations. The reporting system includes two diagnostic levels. The first should provide basic diagnostic information and includes five categories: inadequate/insufficient, benign, atypical lymphoid cells of undetermined/uncertain significance, suspicious, and malignant. For each category, specific recommendations are provided. The second diagnostic level, when achievable, should produce the identification of specific benign or malignant entities and additional information by utilizing ancillary testing.Conclusion:The authors believe that the introduction of this system for performing and reporting LN-FNAC may improve the quality of the procedure, the report, and the communication between cytopathologists and the clinicians. This system may lead to a greater acceptance and utilization of LN-FNAC and to a better interdisciplinary understanding of the results of this procedure.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 17