Evaluation of FineNeedle Aspiration Cytology of Articular and Periarticular Swellings
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Articular and periarticular swellings often present with non-specific clinical and radiological features, making early and accurate diagnosis challenging. Fineneedle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, minimally invasive, and cost-effective tool that facilitates rapid categorization of these lesions into benign, inflammatory, or malignant, enabling prompt management decisions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 222 cases of palpable articular and periarticular swellings evaluated by FNAC over six years (2019–2024). Smears were stained with Giemsa, Papanicolaou, and Ziehl-Neelsen stains as appropriate. Cytological findings were correlated with clinico-radiological or histopathological outcomes. Results: Among 222 cases, 192 yielded diagnostic aspirates. Non-neoplastic lesions were most common (61.4%), with ganglion cysts (28.6%) and epidermal inclusion cysts (17.7%) being predominant. Benign neoplasms such as lipomas constituted 36.9%. Malignant lesions were rare (1.6%). Concordance with clinico-radiological or histopathological findings was observed in 85.4% of cases. Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable and efficient first-line diagnostic modality for articular and periarticular lesions. Its ability to distinguish between benign and malignant swellings helps avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and supports conservative treatment strategies in appropriate cases.
Authors: Sai Jyoti, Prajwala Gupta, Shraddha Singh
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7115177432