Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Diagnosis of Gynecologic Tumors

Abstract

Background: The tumors involving the gynecologic tract encompass a wide range of lesions including those of epithelial, mesenchymal, sex cord-stromal, and germ cell origin. Amongst the carcinomas of tubo-ovarian origin, high-grade serous carcinoma is the most common malignancy. The primary role of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in the management of gynecologic tract malignancies is in the diagnosis of their recurrences/metastases. In patients presenting with advanced disease, the cytology specimen may be the initial or the only sampling performed before the initiation of treatment.

Summary: This review will discuss the cytologic findings of various gynecologic tract neoplasms with regard to their morphologic features, differential diagnoses, and the ancillary studies that can assist in their recognition.

Key messages: FNA cytology serves as a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of gynecologic tract malignancies. However, making an accurate diagnosis of these entities, especially on limited cytology specimens, can be challenging. Awareness regarding the morphologic spectrum of these tumors, their potential mimics, and the ancillary studies that can be employed to refine their characterization, can assist in arriving at the correct diagnosis.

Keywords: Cytology; Endometrium; Fine needle aspiration; Gynecologic tract; Ovary.