Fine needle aspiration cytology is a relatively new technique in the management of palpable lesions in Ibadan. In the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, as in most centres in Nigeria, inadequate facilities, a heavy patient load, financial constraints and an unreliable supply of basic necessities like water, often delay definitive diagnosis and management. In order to alleviate the patient's problems and provide prompt and accurate diagnosis, an FNA Cytology Clinic was set up in the Pathology Department, UCH, Ibadan, managed by the pathology team. This report represents the results of our experience. The cost effectiveness and impact on cost of care are highlighted. FNA costs N250.00 (pounds sterling 2.00), whilst cost of biopsy can vary from N5000.00 to N10000.00 (pounds sterling 35.00 to pounds sterling 70.00). A total of 752 satisfactory smears was reviewed during the 3-year period 1995-97 from various sites including breast (n = 295), lymph node (n = 183) and thyroid (n = 143). Diagnostic accuracy varied with different sites, the accuracy rate for breast, lymph node and thyroid malignancy being approximately 100%, 80% and 93%, respectively.

The cytological diagnosis of classical papillary carcinoma is easily established based on the characteristic architectural and nuclear features. However, the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma(FVPTC) poses a diagnostic challenge. In this study we analysed the cytological features of 14 histopathologically proven cases of FVPTC. We inferred that a combination of architectural features such as follicles and syncytial clusters and nuclear features, viz grooves, pseudoinclusions and enlarged nuclei with fine chromatin, were helpful in establishing the diagnosis. It is hence suggested that based on the combination of the aforesaid features a diagnosis of FVPTC be offered whenever it is possible. This helps in patient management, obviating the need for a second surgical intervention.

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Objective: To report a case of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease) in an extranodal site with unusual presentation. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old girl presented with bilateral upper eyelid swellings of 2 years duration due to tumor. The masses were excised and sent for histopathological examination. Microscopic examination revealed similar features in both masses in the form of a collection of large histiocytic cells showing emperipolesis (lymphocytophagocytosis). The histiocytic cells stained positively with S-100 protein and CD68. The background comprised small lymphocytes and plasma cells. Based on the overall features a diagnosis of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy or Rosai-Dorfman disease was made. Conclusion: The present case highlights one of the forms in which extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease can manifest itself. It is important to keep this differential diagnosis in mind whenever such histopathological features are encountered.

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