Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is increasingly used as an important tool for the initial evaluation of palpable masses. In many organs, initial work-up with fine-needle aspiration biopsy has become the standard of care. This course is intended for general surgical pathologists and pathology residents and provides practical knowledge to enable the participants to deal with pitfalls and diagnostic problems in the evaluation of fine-needle aspiration specimens. Emphasis will be placed on the three commonly biopsied sites: thyroid, salivary gland and lymph node. This course will provide understanding of the strengths and limitations of FNA of these sites and how to triage the materials for effective patient management. Topics to be presented will include: 1) non-neoplastic and benign lesions of salivary gland, 2) differential diagnostic considerations for malignant neoplasm of salivary gland, 3) spectrum of follicular lesions of thyroid, 4) diagnosing papillary carcinoma with certainty, 5) spectrum of oncocytic lesions of thyroid, 6) systematic approach to the work-up of lymphadenopathy using FNA, 7) the value and use of flow cytometric immunophenotypic markers, and 8) use of R.E.A.L. classification for the primary diagnosis of lymphoma on cytology. Selected cases will be used to illustrate the diagnostic problems along with differential considerations.

Case histories and a set of transparencies will be mailed to all registrants before the meeting. A syllabus will be distributed at the course. (Last Scheduled Presentation)