Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology saves Lives in Bone Malignancies

Abstract

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of bone lesions is a prompt, cheap and least invasive diagnostic tool for bone malignancies. However its importance and benefits are not fully realized and as a result considerable delays occur in initial diagnosis undermining the optimal care and management of the patients with disastrous results at times. We here report a case of a 19 year old boy who presented with a swelling in his right arm. Unfortunately the diagnosis was delayed for over a year as a result when finally patient came for diagnostic work up he had evidence of metastases. At this time Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was performed and diagnosis of osteosarcoma was rendered within one hour. We stress that if this test would have been performed one year back the outcome of the disease would have been pleasantly differen