BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic value of the fine needle aspiration biopsy in children and adolescents with solid tumors or lymphadenopathy. METHODS: 18 years old or less patients were observed since July 2000 to July 2005. We observed: sensibility, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and predictive value. RESULTS: In 50 studied patients the fine needle aspiration biopsy we found 90.9% sensibility, 100% specificity, 95% diagnostic accuracy, 100% positive predictive value and 90% negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: The fine needle aspiration biopsy is a easy, safe and accurate diagnostic method for solid tumors and lymphadenopathies.
Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Lymphatic diseases; Diagnosis, differential; Neoplasms