B Saikia1, P Dey, U N Saikia, A Das. 1. Department of Cytology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze cases of palpable cutaneous/ subcutaneous scalp nodules and evaluate the clinical features and role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in their diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1,022 cases of metastatic malignancies at various sites were analyzed over a period of two years. FNAC was performed as a routine outpatient procedure for palpable lesions and under ultrasound or computed tomographic guidance for nonpalpable, internal sites. Histologic correlation was done when possible. RESULTS: Eighteen cases were found to be metastatic scalp nodules. The scalp as a metastatic site constituted 1.76% of all metastatic sites, 7.72% of extranodal sites, and 15.3% of extranodal and extrahepatic sites. Of the 18 cases, 7 (38.9%) had primaries in the head and neck region (thyroid, 3; orbit, 1; tonsil, 1; tongue, 1; and parathyroid, 1). Cutaneous/subcutaneous metastasis was encountered in 58 patients, and the 18 cases of scalp metastasis constituted 31.03% of all cutaneous sites. CONCLUSION: Careful examination of the skin on the entire body, with particular attention to the scalp, should be done when a primary internal malignancy or recurrence is suspected. FNAC is a very helpful and cost-effective modality in determining the nature of such lesions.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze cases of palpable cutaneous/ subcutaneous scalp nodules and evaluate the clinical features and role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in their diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 1,022 cases of metastatic malignancies at various sites were analyzed over a period of two years. FNAC was performed as a routine outpatient procedure for palpable lesions and under ultrasound or computed tomographic guidance for nonpalpable, internal sites. Histologic correlation was done when possible. RESULTS: Eighteen cases were found to be metastatic scalp nodules. The scalp as a metastatic site constituted 1.76% of all metastatic sites, 7.72% of extranodal sites, and 15.3% of extranodal and extrahepatic sites. Of the 18 cases, 7 (38.9%) had primaries in the head and neck region (thyroid, 3; orbit, 1; tonsil, 1; tongue, 1; and parathyroid, 1). Cutaneous/subcutaneous metastasis was encountered in 58 patients, and the 18 cases of scalp metastasis constituted 31.03% of all cutaneous sites. CONCLUSION: Careful examination of the skin on the entire body, with particular attention to the scalp, should be done when a primary internal malignancy or recurrence is suspected. FNAC is a very helpful and cost-effective modality in determining the nature of such lesions.