ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF WILMS-TUMOR

We reviewed the cytomorphologic features of fine needle aspiration bio psy (FNAB) smears from 15 cases of renal, extrarenal and metastatic Wi lms' tumor. The findings were correlated with the histopathologic feat ures. In cytology smears, blastemal cells were recognized in all cases . The following cell types were seen: epithelial cells, 60%; stromal c omponent, 33.3%; tubular differentiation, 26.6%; and glomeruloid diffe rentiation, 33.3%. FNAB smears of the metastatic lesions in the liver and of the primary lesions did not reveal any significant difference i n cellular composition. Subcutaneous soft tissue metastasis from an an aplastic Wilms' tumor showed marked anaplasia and pleomorphism of blas temal cells along with frequent mitosis and bizarre tumor giant cells. Extrarenal Wilms' tumor showed only blastemal cells, though histopath ology showed the classic triphasic pattern along with skeletal muscle differentiation. There were no complications attributable to the proce dure. Recognition of these cellular components in FNAB smears will hel p in establishing an FNAB diagnosis of Wilms' tumor, particularly when preoperative chemotherapy is needed.