Small lymphocytic pulmonary lymphoma: diagnosis by transthoracic fine needle aspiration

A 77-year-old woman was found to have multiple densities on chest roentgenogram. Exfoliative cytology, bronchoscopy with brushings and washings, and transbronchial biopsy revealed a monomorphic population of small lymphocytes suggestive of lymphoma. Transthoracic fine-needle aspiration was performed to provide additional material for immunologic marker study. Immunocytochemistry revealed a monoclonal population of B-cells, which confirmed a diagnosis of small lymphocytic lymphoma. Chemotherapy resulted in significant clinical and roentgenographic improvement.