Cytological diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis in lesions clinically anticipated as neoplastic.

Filariasis is a common disabling parasitic disease in this region and cytological diagnosis is often not required. Cytology has important role in diagnosis of sub-clinical filariasis. Most cases of cytologically diagnosed filariasis are clinically unanticipated. Microfilaria, ova and fragments of adult worm of Wuchereria bancrofti, in exfoliative as well as aspiration cytology have been reported and are useful in cytological detection of bancroftian filariasis. Microfilaria is frequently detected in association with neoplasm, although the role in tumorogenesis is controversial. The objective of the study was to investigate importance of cytology in diagnosis of filariasis in lesions clinically anticipated to be of neoplastic and to review the cytomorphology of bancroftian filaria and its association with neoplasm. This is a retrospective study carried out in cytology department of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. 14 cases of cytological specimen out of 4291 (0.3%) showed microfilaria; 12 cases were from FNAC from different sites and 2 cases were from pleural fluid. 2 cases showed ova in addition to microfilaria and one of them in addition showed fragment of adult worm. Microfilaria in 4 cases of FNAC and one case ofpleural fluid were associated with malignant cells.

Histopathologic diagnosis of lymph node biopsies.

This is a retrospective study of biopsies of lymph nodes received in the department of pathology, Nepal Medical College (NMC), from January 2004 to December 2005. Total number of lymph node biopsies during the two year period was 55, out of which 56.0% cases were females and 44.0% were males with M:F 1:1.29. Most common cause of lymphadenopathy was tuberculosis and most common group of lymph node was cervical lymph nodes. Metastatic deposits were seen in only six cases. So, like other developing countries, in our country also, tuberculosis is the leading cause for lymphadenopathy.

Diagnosis of subcutaneous cysticercosis in fine needle aspirates: a study of 10 cases.

The objective of this study is to document the value of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of subcutaneous cysticercosis. Aspirates smears of 10 cases of subcutaneous swellings were studied over a period of 1 year between January 2004 and January 2005. The subcutaneous swellings were presented at different sites like cheek, neck, forearm, arm, chest wall and abdominal wall. In none of these cases was cysticercosis considered as diagnostic possibility. The characteristic cytomorphological features of parasitic tegument, parenchymatous portion, presence of epithelioid cells, giant cells and inflammatory cells in cytological smears help diagnose the cases of subcutaneous cysticercosis. Biopsy confirmation was possible in 5 cases, of which, two cases showed parenchymatous portion of the parasite. FNAC provides safe and rapid tool for diagnosis of subcutaneous cysticercosis. In endemic areas, cysticercosis should be considered one of the differential diagnosis of the subcutaneous swellings.