Value of image-guided needle aspiration cytology in the assessment of thoracolumbar and sacrococcygeal masses.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate tumors and nontumorous processes in the thoracolumbar and sacrococcygeal region by the noninvasive method of needle aspiration cytology (NAC) and whether such preoperative assessment is useful in deciding between conservative and radical management. STUDY DESIGN: NAC was performed under computed tomographic guidance on 22 patients suspected of having a thoracolumbar-sacrococcygeal mass. Cytologic examination was performed on site after staining smears with the Papanicolaou method. In addition, air-dried smears, fixed smears, filter preparations from needle washings and cell blocks were studied. The NAC diagnosis in all cases was supported by examining cell blocks, which illustrated the reliability of histologic architecture; further support was obtained with a tissue biopsy in eight cases. Additionally, immunoperoxidase and/or histochemical studies were done in cases with a NAC diagnosis of chordoma and some cases of metastatic carcinoma. RESULTS: Five cases were diagnosed as inflammatory/degenerative lesions, and in one case NAC diagnosis of neurofibroma was made. In 14 cases a variety of metastatic tumors were diagnosed, while in two cases a NAC diagnosis of chordoma was made. Immunohistochemical staining results were useful in supporting the cytohistologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: NAC, as the first line of investigation, is not only useful in the diagnosis of space-occupying lesions of the thoracolumbar-sacrococcygeal region but can also save the patient from a radical surgical procedure to obtain tissue for diagnosis. Also, histologic architecture from cell blocks can be correlated with cytology, and such material can be used for histochemical and immunomarker studies.

Undiagnosed retroperitoneal mass. Report of a case in which needle aspiration cytodiagnosis led to investigation and timely management.

Needle aspiration cytology of an undiagnosed retroperitoneal mass was performed on a 37-year-old male. The cytologic findings were highly consistent with a seminoma. In the differential diagnosis the possibility of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanocarcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma was considered. The cytologic features in the aspirate included uniform, single to loose groups of malignant cells with round nuclei and prominent nucleoli and pale cytoplasm with occasional vacuoles. A variable number of lymphocytes were intermingled with the neoplastic cells. On immunostaining, the markers for lymphoma, melanoma and epithelial malignancy were negative, while alpha-1-antitrypsin was positive in malignant cells, and alkaline phosphatase activity was weakly positive in the cytoplasm. In view of the cytologic diagnosis, a clinical examination of the testes was undertaken and followed by an ultrasound examination, which demonstrated a well-demarcated tumor in the left testis. It was removed and diagnosed as a typical seminoma. This case is of interest since needle aspiration cytodiagnosis not only suggested the correct diagnosis in an otherwise-undiagnosed retroperitoneal mass but also led to a timely investigation and correct management.

Aspiration cytodiagnosis of clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma in an elderly woman. A case report.

The cytohistologic features of a clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma are described. The case occurred in an elderly woman. An aspirate was obtained from a solitary mass in the right lobe of the liver. The liver carcinoma was found to be the clear cell type, with infrequent bile and hyaline (Mallory body-like) bodies in the cytoplasm. The fact that clear cell type hepatocellular carcinoma possesses specific cellular characteristics and immunocytochemical features renders this case report useful in establishing a correct cytohistologic diagnosis, especially since this tumor variant shows a striking resemblance to "clear cell" tumors that originate in other organs and that may cause a diagnostic dilemma.

Needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of pancreas. A study of five cases with an emphasis on utility and differential diagnosis.

In this study, our experience with five cases of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas is described, which was seen over a 13-yr period. The diagnosis in four of the cases was made from aspirated material that was obtained under computed tomography (CT) guidance and, in one case, following an intraoperative aspirate. In four cases, the tumor was found to be in the head of pancreas, whereas in one case, the neoplasm was located in the tail. All the cases were elderly male patients. As a result of our study, it is believed that aspiration cytodiagnosis of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (a rare subtype of pancreatic carcinoma) can be made with confidence when performed intraoperatively or with imaging assistance. Also, aspiration cytology is a sensitive, specific, and relatively simple procedure that provides adequate material on which a confident diagnostic interpretation can be made of this uncommon neoplasm.