Reliability of Core Needle Biopsy in Diagnosis of Malignant Bone Tumours
Abstract
Background: Compared to open biopsy core needle biopsy is less invasive technique with fewer complications; however its reliability in reaching accurate diagnosis is still questionable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of core needle biopsy in diagnosis of malignant bone tumours. Materials and method: This is a retrospective analytical study on 152 patients underwent core needle biopsy and followed by definitive surgery during the period of 2016-2017 at Ibrahim Malik Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. The needle biopsies were assessed for sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value, and predictive negative value. Results: A final diagnosis was not reached in 7/152 patients (4.7%) with an overall sensitivity of 96.2% (104/108), and specificity of 93.1% (41/44), positive predictive value of 97.1% (104/107), negative predictive value of 91.1% (41/45). No complications due to core needle biopsy were noted. Conclusion: Core needle biopsy is a reliable method for reaching the final diagnosis in malignant bone tumours with fewer complications. It could be adopted confidently in clinical practice instead of the open biopsy method.
