Innovative Approaches in Lymphoma Diagnosis: Small Specimens, Big Impact

Course overview

This webinar addresses critical gaps in the use of FNA for evaluating lymphadenopathy, emphasizing its potential as a minimally invasive, cost-effective diagnostic tool with the ability to quickly triage patients. Despite its many advantages, diagnosing lymphoma through FNA presents challenges, particularly with paucicellular samples and the need for high-quality specimens and ancillary testing for accurate categorization using recent classification systems. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration between cytopathologists and hematopathologists, for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and optimal patient care is emphasized. The goal of the webinar is to empower participants to be able to categorize patients into diagnostic groups with specific risks of malignancy that guide further management decisions rather than striving for definitive WHO/ICC diagnoses. Target Audience This educational activity is designed for pathologists, cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, students and other members of the cytopathology community. Learning Objectives Effectively utilize fine-needle aspiration as a first-line diagnostic tool for lymphadenopathy, recognizing its strengths and limitations. Identify and implement best practices for obtaining and handling high-quality FNA specimens to ensure accurate categorization and diagnosis. Enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient management by incorporating ancillary testing results and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration between cytopathologists and hematopathologists, integrating their expertise in the evaluation of lymphoma from small biopsy specimens. Roberto Ruiz-Cordero, MD Director of Cytopathology University of Miami Hospital Miami, Florida