To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology(US-FNAC)in the assessment of radiologically detected ovarian neoplasms and retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes.

FNAC was performed under ultrasound guidance on 126 patients suspected of ovarian neoplasms and retroperitoneal metastatic lymph nodes. Cytologic examination was performed after staining smears with the haematoxylin and eosin method. Clinical data were retrieved from the medical records and all cytological specimens were reviewed. In these cases, the cytologic findings were correlated with histology of the primary tumor and were compared with surgical pathology.

Satisfactory sampling was obtained in 86.2% of punctures, and cytological diagnosis was made in 85.7% cases. The size of the lymph nodes punctured was less than 20 mm in 93.5% cases, with the sensitivity of 81.6%、86.2%, specificity of 95.8%、100.0%, positive predictive value of 98.3%、100.0%, negative predictive value of 63.9%、33.3%, and accuracy of 85.3%、87.1%. Seven patients presented slight abdominal discomfort, and relieved without clinical treatment.

The fine needle aspiration technique has excellent positive predictive value and low morbidity. US-FNAC, as the valuable investigation, is not only useful in the diagnosis of ovarian masses and lymph nodes but can also help in choosing appropriate management. From our experience, US-FNAC can be added in follow-up of selected patients in whom the cytological identification of such masses and nodes is significant for the patient′s treatment.