Sonal Sharmal1, Kiran Mishra. 1. Department of Pathology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India. sonald76@rediffmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss our experience with cytologic study of fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of histologically confirmed childhood teratomas/teratoid lesions and to highlight the limitations in diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Cases with histologic diagnosis of teratoma from the archives of the histopathology section of the Department of Pathology were identified. Only cases preceded by fine needle aspiration cytology were included in the study. RESULTS: The 11 cases of teratoma/teratoid lesions were from 4 males and 7 females. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 12 years (mean, approximately 3 years). The clinicoradiologic diagnosis varied between neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor and teratomas. The radiologic features were available in only 6 cases at the time of aspiration. Squamous cells were the main findings in cases diagnosed as teratomas. Other elements, like neuroectodermal cells and mesodermal derivatives like muscle, adipose tissue and columnar cells, were also seen. Immature mesenchymal fragments were recognized in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical details and radiologic investigations are crucial to the cytologic diagnosis of teratomas, differentiating them from the other common childhood tumors.
OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss our experience with cytologic study of fine needle aspiration for the diagnosis of histologically confirmed childhood teratomas/teratoid lesions and to highlight the limitations in diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Cases with histologic diagnosis of teratoma from the archives of the histopathology section of the Department of Pathology were identified. Only cases preceded by fine needle aspiration cytology were included in the study. RESULTS: The 11 cases of teratoma/teratoid lesions were from 4 males and 7 females. Their ages ranged from 3 months to 12 years (mean, approximately 3 years). The clinicoradiologic diagnosis varied between neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor and teratomas. The radiologic features were available in only 6 cases at the time of aspiration. Squamous cells were the main findings in cases diagnosed as teratomas. Other elements, like neuroectodermal cells and mesodermal derivatives like muscle, adipose tissue and columnar cells, were also seen. Immature mesenchymal fragments were recognized in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical details and radiologic investigations are crucial to the cytologic diagnosis of teratomas, differentiating them from the other common childhood tumors.