Fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis of an extracranial meningioma presenting as a cervical mass

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration was performed on a cervical mass of unknown etiology in a 78-year-old woman. The cytologic findings were consistent with a meningioma. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan, which revealed an intracranial mass with extension through the foramina of the base of the skull to the cervical region. The cytologic findings in meningiomas are discussed, with special reference to the differential diagnostic considerations in extracranial sites.