FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA) CYTOLOGY OF EXTRAADRENAL PARAGANGLIOMAS

We studied nine histologically proved cases of extra-adrenal paragangl iomas. Of these, eight cases were correctly diagnosed preoperatively b y FNA cytology. Salient cytological features included clusters and dis cretely scattered cells, with occasional acinar configuration. The cel ls showed moderate to abundant slightly basophilic cytoplasm with ill- defined margins and round to oval nuclei with mild to marked nuclear p leomorphism. Fine reddish intracytoplasmic granules were also noted (s ix cases). Cytological features along with clinical data are quite dia gnostic of paragangliomas. A correct preoperative cytological diagnosi s helps to prevent undue surgical complications.