Background and Objectives: The malignant round cell tumors (MRCT) comprises a group of tumors with a variable histogenesis & biological behavior. Various ancillary investigative techniques have been applied to achieve the diagnosis of MRCT. This study was carried out to confirm the diagnosis of small round cell tumors (SRCT) on FNAC smears using ICC.

Methods: 25 cases were selected irrespective of any age and sex during the year 2005 to 2006. Fine needle aspiration cytology was performed on the lesion after informed consent from patients. Based on the preliminary diagnosis of malignant small round cell tumor on light microscopy additional specimen were obtained for ICC studies. The results were compared with the cytogenetic and histopathology studies.

Results: A total a 25 cases were studies. ES/PNET (14 cases) were the maximum number of cases studied. The cytomorphological diagnosis was confirmed by immunocytochemistry in 76% cases (19 of 25 cases) and revised the diagnosis 8% (2 of 25 cases) cases. The ICC results correlated well with the cytogenetic analysis results, agreement was seen in 11 of the 15 cases which had both ICC & cytogenetic analysis done (73.3%).5 of the 9 cases which had both ICC & excision biopsy done showed correlation (55%).

Conclusion: Immunocytochemistry aided in the confirming of cytological findings. Invasive open biopsies can be avoided there by reducing the trauma to the patient Therefore immunocytochemistry on FNAC smears needs to be included in the list of investigation for the diagnosis of malignant small round cell tumors.

Keywords: FNAC, SRCT, Immunocytochemistry, Ewing Sarcoma/PNET, cytogenetics.

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Ashwini Nargund

Department of Pathology, Division of Cytology,

Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru