Fine-needle aspiration cytology of ganglion cysts.

Ganglion cyst is a relatively common lesion resulting from mucoid, cystic degeneration of soft tissues adjacent to a joint space. Aspiration of cyst contents has been increasingly advocated as a diagnostic and, in some instances, therapeutic modality. We report the fine-needle aspiration cytologic (FNAC) findings from seven cases of ganglion cyst. These include the aspiration of thick, gelatinous fluid and a smear comprised of rare histiocytes embedded in a mucoid matrix. Although these findings are nonspecific, we believe that in the appropriate clinical setting, the diagnosis of ganglion cyst can be made with confidence by FNA.

Duke Scholars

Author Leslie Gail Dodd Pathology