A retrospective study of the cytology of 13 histologically confirmed primary synovial sarcomas accessioned in the surgical and cytopathology department of Tata Memorial Hospital from January 1998 to April 2004 was undertaken to access the accuracy of cytological diagnosis and morphological sub typing of synovial sarcoma by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Out of 13 cases, 2 cases were diagnosed as biphasic synovial sarcoma on FNAC. Six cases had prominent spindle cell morphology, which fell in the general category of soft tissue sarcoma. Four cases were put in the category of poorly differentiated round cell variants. Biphasic synovial sarcomas are easy to diagnose on FNAC. Various differentials must be kept in mind for other variants of synovial sarcomas and thus histologic and immunohistochemical correlation is essential for reaching a definitive diagnosis.

Proliferative marker like argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNOR) is of greater help for tumour analysis. It is especially valuable as an addition to classic prostate cytology and positive serological finding. Thirty six clinically, serologically and cytologically suspicious cases were subjected to AgNOR counting. The study revealed AgNOR counts of 2.93±0.40/cell in BPH, 3.84±0.44/cell in BPH with chronic prostatitis, 4.98±0.72/cell in grade I adenocarcinoma, 7.26±0.76/cell in grade II adenocarcinoma and 10.98±1.64 / cell in grade III adenocarcinoma. When combined with serological studies, evaluation of AgNOR score is of great help in distinguishing not only benign and malignant lesions of prostate but also low grade and high grade tumours. Finally, it was concluded that FNAC should be reserved for early diagnosis of prostate cancer in patients presenting with nonspecific urologic symptoms, palpable nodule and elevated serum PSA level.

A cytohistopathological study of a case of an adamantinoma of a long bone with squamous differentiation in a thirty five year old female is presented. Predominant squamous differentiation leads to a diagnostic dilemma with metastatic carcinoma on cytological smears. Proper clinical and radiological correlation may help in a definitive diagnosis. Adamantinoma with prominent squamous differentiation is rare and these patients have low recurrence rates.

Ameloblastoma (ABL) is an uncommon jaw tumour arising from odontogenic epithelium. Certain unusual variants like solid ameloblastoma and basal cell type have a greater propensity for local recurrences and even metastasis. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been relatively less utilized for diagnosis of jaw tumours. We present a rare subtype of ABL, diagnosed in a young female patient on cytology smears and subsequently confirmed on biopsy. Smears comprised of mainly basaloid cells admixed with some spindle cells. Sections showed islands and nests of pleomorphic basaloid cells invading adjacent muscles and bone. FNAC with clinico-radiological correlation can serve as a quick, safe and easily accessible tool in diagnosing these rare tumours. An accurate preoperative diagnosis in such situations helps the clinician to perform a more extensive surgery as these variants have more chances for recurrence and metastasis.

A case of plasmacytoma of humerus occurring in a 35 years old female diagnosed by fine needle aspiration and confirmed by histopathology is being reported.

Umbilical metastasis from internal malignancy is called as Sister Mary Joseph nodule. In most of these cases primary malignancy remains occult. The common primary sites include carcinomas from gastrointestinal tract and female genital system and rarely from other sites. Umbilical metastasis reflects poor prognosis and in some cases when present as a primary presentation should alarm the clinicians to investigate for occult internal malignancy. A case of middle aged female is reported where patient presented with umbilical mass; after the cytology report of metastatic adenocarcinoma, the primary was localized in the gall bladder, a rare site.

Adult filarial worms are uncommon in the fine needle aspirates of soft tissue or subcutaneous lesions of filariasis. The staining of larvae in adult gravid female worms is difficult with routine staning techniques. In the present case of Wuchereria bancroftian filariasis was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology of subcutaneous cystic lesion. The larvae in gravid females are well stained by using a combination of aqueous methylene blue and leishman stain. The dimensions of the adult worm and the morphology of the larval forms helped to reach the diagnosis.

We report on the cytological findings of a Leydig-cell tumour of the testis in a child with evidence of endocrine dysfunction. The preoperative diagnosis was based on fine-needle aspiration cytology alone, which was subsequently confirmed on histopathology.

A 38 year old male presented with soft tissue swelling in the left shoulder region. Fine needle aspirates of the swelling showed the organism Rhinosporidium seeberi. Subsequent biopsy confirmed the lesion. This patient did not have prior history of mucocutaneous lesion. We are reporting this case because of its rarity.