Cytological diagnosis of soft-tissue lesions: A study of variation in site of occurrence

Objectives: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a useful diagnostic tool for soft-tissue lesions, which helps in further management of patient. Although, various soft-tissue lesions have preference for particular site of human body, yet usefulness/role of site in cytological diagnosis in the published literature is not very well highlighted. In this study, our aim was to analyze the location of soft-tissue lesions as encountered in cytology practice. Material and Methods: Details of soft-tissue lesions who underwent fine-needle aspiration in a period of 12 months were analyzed. Age, gender, and site of soft-tissue lesion were noted. All the soft-tissue cases were divided into two categories. Group 1 – soft-tissue lesions situated at elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand for upper extremities; and knee, lower leg, ankle, and foot for lower extremities. Group 2 – soft-tissue lesions occurring at other sites. Pearson’s Chi-square test and significance of difference between proportions were analyzed to assess the significance. Results: A total of 928 cases were reported over a period of 12 months. Soft-tissue lesions in Group 1 and Group 2 were 172 and 756 cases, respectively. All the soft-tissue lesions except ganglion cyst (GC) and giant cell tumor (GCT) of tendon sheath are more prevalent in Group 2. There was a statistically significant association ( P < 0.001) between cytological diagnosis of soft-tissue lesion and site of lesion. The difference in occurrence of epidermal inclusion cyst, GC, and GCT of tendon sheath between Groups 1 and 2 was found to be statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: We found significant difference in occurrence of some of the soft-tissue lesion at distal extremity as compared to other location. This may be helpful in arriving at a proper cytological diagnosis.