title: Pitfalls and Key Features of a Case of Sclerosing Pneumocytoma: A Cytological Challenge?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the current case report is to re-evaluate the key features and pitfalls of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of sclerosing pneumocytoma (previously named sclerosing hemangioma) and to establish the importance of FNAC in addressing a proper surgical strategy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Herein we documented a case of a 70- year-old man with a lung nodule which showed a hypermetabolic uptake on positron emission tomography. He therefore underwent FNAC under computed tomography scan guidance with a 22-gauge needle. The cytopathological examination allowed a diagnosis of sclerosing pneumocytoma. A wedge surgical excision was performed and the histological examination confirmed the cytological diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FNAC is a fundamental tool for distinguishing sclerosing pneumocytoma from a malignant lung tumour and together with clinical, radiological and pathological multidisciplinary assessment is indispensable in planning appropriate surgical management. Cytopathologists should be aware of the pitfalls and key features of the cytopathological diagnosis of sclerosing pneumocytoma, which can significantly change the surgical approach to the patient and protect him from aggressive overtreatment.
authors.affiliation: Pathology Unit, Garbagnate Milanese Hospital, AO G. Salvini, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Onorati
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicola
authors.forename: Chiara Luisa
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bianchi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bini
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bellaviti
authors.forename: Franca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Di Nuovo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D047868:Pulmonary Sclerosing Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed