CYTOLOGY OF BENIGN CYSTIC UTERINE ADNEXAL MASSES

The findings from a cytologic examination of 26 surgically removed cys tic adnexal masses (1-11.5 cm) aspirated with a 22-gauge needle were c orrelated with the histopathologic findings. The mean age of the patie nts was 48 years. Examination of the Papanicolaou-stained cytospin pre parations showed that all but three were cellular. Benign epithelial c ells were identified in fluid aspirated from the mass from one patient with hydrosalpinx and from three with paramesonephric and one with si mple cysts; they were also found in aspirated samples from three patie nts with serous cystadenoma and one with serous cystadenofibroma. Mass es from the five patients with follicle cysts and cystic follicles con tained numerous granulosa cells. Ciliated cells or ciliated cytoplasmi c fragments were found in all aspirated samples except those from pati ents with follicle cysts, cystic follicles or endometriosis. In two pa tients, one with endometriosis and one with serous cystadenoma, the ep ithelial cells were atypical, with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, h yperchromasia, nuclear molding and large nucleoli. These results could be misinterpreted as indicating malignancy. In summary, the vast majo rity of aspirated samples (91%) contained benign cells. However, cauti on should be exercised in the interpretation of possibly misleading cy tologic findings in patients with endometriosis or cystadenoma.