Efficacy of fine needle puncture and microbiopsy technics was compared in 19 patients with a solid pancreatic mass. Results showed sensitivity and global accuracy of 71 and 72% respectively for cytology, 92 and 82% for microbiopsy and 100 and 94% for their combined use. Global accuracy and negative predictive values reached 100% when repeat samples were collected because of insufficient material. No false positives were noted and no complications in this preliminary series.