Diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology in the evaluation of soft tissue tumours

Context: Fineneedle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an important tool in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumours. The method is widely tested in recent years as it is easy, quick, safe and fast compared to histopathology. Aims: Present study is being conducted to study the cytomorphological patterns of soft tissue tumours and find out the efficacy of FNACwhen compared with histopathology aided with immunostains. Settings and Design: Fifty six cases presented with soft tissue swellings were subjected to FNAC. The results were compared with histopathology aided with immunohistochemistry. Materials and Methods: Present study was a prospective study conducted between July 2007 and December 2008 for a period of one and a half year in the department of Pathology of a tertiary care institute. Patients who presented with soft tissue tumours were included in the study. Patients with inflammatory swellings and those in which histopathology was not available were excluded. Fifty six cases presented with soft tissue swelling were subjected to fine needle aspiration (FNA). Findings were compared with histopathology. Immunohistochemistry was used in some cases for exact diagnosis.| Statistical analysis used: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy. Results: In the primary diagnosis of soft tissue tumours by FNAC, the study showed sensitivity and specificity of 93.75% and 94.4% for malignancy. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 94.4% for both benign and malignant neoplasms. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 88.24% and 97.3% for malignancy. Conclusions: FNA of soft tissue tumours yields specific architechtectural patterns and cytological details. FNAC helps in the initial management of soft tissue tumours as it is rapid and fairly accurate. Keywords: Soft issue tumours, Cytology, Patterns, Histopathology.