Pitfalls in soft tissue cytopathology

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a diagnostic modality for the evaluation of suspicious soft tissue masses. Despite its reasonable sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value in differentiating benign from malignant neoplasms, the exact subtyping of the primary soft tissue tumours can be challenging. Certain tumours constitute pitfalls and add to the diagnostic challenge. This review provides a detailed account of the diagnostic challenges in soft tissue cytopathology, including pitfalls and, more importantly, the ways to overcome these challenges by integrating clinical details, key cytomorphological features and judicious application of ancillary techniques.

Automated summary

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an effective method for evaluating suspicious soft tissue masses, but accurately subtyping primary soft tissue tumors can be difficult. This review discusses the diagnostic challenges in soft tissue cytopathology, including pitfalls and strategies for overcoming these challenges by integrating clinical details, key cytomorphological features, and ancillary techniques.