ACCURACY OF CT-GUIDED CORE NEEDLE BIOPSY IN DAIGNOSIS OF THE THORACIC LESION SUSPECIOUS FOR PRIMITIVE MALIGNANCY OF THE LUNGS

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally and shows increasing incidence in developing countries including Pakistan. Early and accurate tissue diagnosis is essential because radiological imaging alone cannot reliably distinguish benign from malignant pulmonary lesions. CT-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) provides a minimally invasive option for acquiring adequate tissue samples for definitive diagnosis.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and safety of CT-guided core needle biopsy in patients with thoracic lesions suspicious for primary lung malignancy.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the radiology department of Bajwa Hospital Lahore, over four months. A total of 73 patients aged ≥18 years with thoracic lesions ≥10 mm suspicious for malignancy were included through convenience sampling. CT-guided CNB was performed using a 64-slice CT scanner and an 18-gauge coaxial automated biopsy needle. Histopathology served as the reference standard.

Results: Of 73 patients, 61.6% were male and 67.1% had a smoking history. Cough (80.8%), weight loss (76.7%), and dyspnea (68.5%) were the most common symptoms. Adequate tissue samples were obtained in 90.4% of cases and a definitive histopathological diagnosis was reached in 91.8%. Concordance between CNB diagnosis and final outcome was 93.2%. Malignancy was diagnosed in 82.2% of patients, with adenocarcinoma being the most common type (74%). Complications were minimal pneumothorax (13.7%) and mild hemorrhage (6.8%). No major adverse events were observed.

Conclusion: CT-guided core needle biopsy is a highly accurate, safe, and reliable method for diagnosing thoracic lesions suspicious for lung cancer. Its high diagnostic yield and low complication rate support its routine use in clinical practice within Pakistan.