title: Evaluation of pediatric abdominal masses by fine-needle aspiration cytology: a clinicoradiologic approach.
abstract: The pathologist forms a very important part of the clinical team in the management of pediatric intra-abdominal masses in giving a rapid, accurate diagnosis for these potentially curable tumors. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an invaluable tool in this regard when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. With this in mind, we decided to evaluate the role of FNAC in pediatric abdominal masses in our institution. A total of 83 of 105 FNAC accessioned in the pathology department over 5 years (2003-2007) were studied. These included only cases where a diagnosis could be offered on cytology. Detailed clinicoradiological features were obtained from hospital records. Cytomorphological features examined included cellularity, architectural pattern, background, key cellular details. Immunocytochemistry were done where necessary. Lesions diagnosed on FNAC included Wilms' tumor (19), lymphoma (10), neuroblastoma (6), hepatoblastoma (5), PNET (5), rhabdomyosarcoma (2), DSRCT (2), germ cell tumor (6), and miscellaneous tumors (7). Definite diagnosis could be offered on cytomorphology in 74.7% (62) cases, while in 25.3% (21) cases only a diagnosis of round cell tumor could be offered. Concordance with final histopathology and biochemical parameters was subsequently obtained in 79/83 (95.5%) of cases. A clinically relevant classification is possible on FNAC in pediatric abdominal tumors when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. This obviates the need for a more time-consuming biopsy procedure in critical situations and in stage II nephroblastoma where it is contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. vishyvidya@gmail.com
authors.forename: Seethalakshmi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Viswanathan
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Mukta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramadwar
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Medhi
authors.forename: Brijesh
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: Purna
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kurkure
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000473:pathology*; D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007223:Infant; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed