Cytological Features of Spindle Cell Lesions of the Head and Neck and Review of the Literature
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Spindle cell lesions in the head and neck often mimic sarcomas but may include a wide range of benign and malignant entities. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive method used to evaluate such lesions, though cytological interpretation can be challenging due to overlapping features. METHODS: This retrospective study included 12 primary spindle cell lesions of the head and neck, selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Papanicolaou and May-Grünwald-Giemsa stains were used for smear evaluation. Cell blocks were prepared, and cytological diagnoses were compared with histopathological outcomes. RESULTS: The 12 cases were diagnosed as follows: nodular fasciitis (n = 2), schwannoma (n = 2), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (n = 1), leiomyosarcoma (n = 1), liposarcoma (n = 1), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1), osteosarcoma (n = 3), and chondroblastoma (n = 1). Cytological features showed moderate correlation with final histology. CONCLUSION: FNA is a valuable, cost-effective tool for evaluating spindle cell lesions in the head and neck. While morphological overlap poses diagnostic limitations, ancillary techniques and molecular studies enhance its accuracy and clinical utility.
Source: Acta Cytologica
DOI: 10.1159/000549796
Authors: Kıvılcım Eren Ateş, Aysun Hatice Uğuz, Ivana Kholová, Aslı Aydoğdu Yeşiloğlu, Gülfiliz Gönlüşen, Hatice Elmas
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4416747064