[Role of transthoracic fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer].

The efficacy of transthoracic fine-needle aspiration guided by roentgenotelevision (86 cases) and computed tomography (106 cases) for peripheral lung cancer was studied. Special needles Nos. 18-20G (dia. 1-1.2 mm) and Nos. 22-25G (dia. 0.5-0.7 mm) were used depending on size and site of tumor. Roentgenotelevision imaging proved more informative for small-size tumors (less than 2 cm). Computed tomography offered more advantage in imaging medium- and large-size tumors because it allowed to avoid repeated aspiration and, therefore, reduce the risk of complications.