Nodular fasciitis of the external ear masquerading as pleomorphic adenoma: A potential diagnostic pitfall in fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND: Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign myofibroblastic proliferation in soft tissue. The most common sites are extremities, followed by the trunk and head and neck region. It is infrequently seen in the post-auricular region of pinna. CASE PRESENTATION: We present here an interesting case of a young male who had a swelling in the post-auricular region; on cytology, it was diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma; however, biopsy revealed characteristic morphology of NF. CONCLUSION: The case highlights the potential pitfall of cytology in diagnosing NF, especially because of unusual site and morphologic overlap.