Cytodiagnosis of subcutaneous nodules – A study

Cytodiagnosis of subcutaneous nodules are mainly done in the investigation of lesions clinically suspicious of tumour recurrence or metastasis. The FNA in the initial diagnosis as compared to open biopsy is not preferred. We have done a prospective cytopathological study in 142 cases to evaluate the efficacy of FNA in these lesions. The study was done in 142 cases of subcutaneous nodules who had come to Patna Medical College & Hospital (PMCH), Patna and a Private Laboratory situated near PMCH in between December 2010 to November 2012. FNA was done by using 23 gauge needle. The smears were stained by PAP, H&E and air-dried MGG stain and evaluated with clinical & radiological correlation. Cytohistological correlation was done wherever possible. A total number of 142 cases of subcutaneous nodules were aspirated. There were 88 males (62%) and 54 females (38%). Age ranged from 1-68 years. Aspiration done from different sites with maximum from lower extremity 55 (38.7%), followed by chest 26 (18.3%). Out of 142 cases, benign neoplasms were 75 (52.8%), infective were 29 (20.4%), malignant were 21 (14.7%) & cystic lesions were 17 (11.9%). Among the neoplasms, lipoma was the commonest followed by tubercular cold abscess in the infective group