Video of the procedure

Indications 

Infections

• Pneumonia:
  Needle aspiration is one method by which you can obtain material for bacteriological examination. This procedure should be considered in:
  1. Children with Pneumonia
  2. Adults unable to produce sputum
  3. An immunocompromised patient with opportunistic infections

Malignancy

• Mass Lesions:
  Mass lesions in the thorax are the prime indication for a needle aspiration biopsy. All intrathoracic non-vascular masses, irrespective of their location, can be biopsied. This includes lung, mediastinal, pleural and chest wall masses. This form of biopsy is best suited for confirmation of malignancy.

Diffuse Infiltrative Lung Process

• Diffuse lung disease is one of the indications for a needle aspiration. The procedure is likely to be of benefit in establishing a malignant or infectious etiology. It is not useful in confirming other etiologies for diffuse lung disease.

  Fine needle aspiration provides material for cytological and bacteriological exams only. In general, it does not provide tissue for histological exam. Modifications of needles have made it possible to have a small core of tissue. Benign tumors and granulomas can be diagnosed only by a histological exam of the tissue. The larger the core of tissue the needle can provide, the higher the complication. These issues enter in the selection of needles and indications for the procedure.