Nodular fasciitis - fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis and its pitfalls, with review of literature

Background and Objective: Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a self-limiting, transient neoplasm composed of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Since it regresses spontaneously, diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology plays a major role in its management. Methods: We present a series of 8 cases with either FNA or biopsy diagnosis of NF, and study the major cytological features with a review of literature on diagnostic criteria and its pitfalls. Results and Conclusion: The 8 cases occurred in patients between the age of 14 to 72 years, with equal sex distribution. FNA diagnosis concurred in 4 cases. Causes of wrong diagnosis included lack of clinical information and paucicellular smear. FNA cytology is an important tool in the diagnosis of nodular fasciitis, in appropriate clinico-radiological setting.