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 neo- plasm 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 ofNF, 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-radiologicalsetting.