Benign triton tumors (BTT) are very rare lesions composed of mature skeletal muscle and neural tissue. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with asymptomatic swelling of the chin over an 18-month duration which increased gradually to involve the left side of the lower lip. Clinically, a diagnosis of neurofibroma was made. Excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a BTT. Having an affinity for large nerve trunks like the brachial and sciatic, these tumors rarely occur in the head and neck region. When they do, they may involve the large central cranial nerve trunk and present as intracranial masses or involve the smaller peripheral nerve twigs and present as asymptomatic skin nodules, of which only four cases involving peripheral nerves are reported in the English literature. Here, we report the fifth documented case of a BTT involving the mental branch of the trigeminal nerve. A brief review of the literature is also provided.

Introduction. Hydatid cyst, caused by Echinococcus granulosa, occurs rarely in the musculoskeletal region. Most of the time, clinically and radiologically it is diagnosed as a soft tissue tumor, benign or malignant. There are a few case reports of hydatid cyst presenting as an intramuscular thigh mass, which has been diagnosed at fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Accurate pre-operative diagnosis is essential in view of specific therapeutic options for this disease. Here we report a case of hydatid cyst occurring in an unusual location (thigh) and masquerading as a soft tissue tumour, diagnosed at FNAC. Case Report. 56-year-old male patient presented with gradually increasing swelling of the left thigh since 3 years. On examination, there was a firm non-tender 25 × 20 cm swelling on the posterior aspect of left thigh extending from the gluteal region to five cm above the knee joint. An ultrasound diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor was made. At FNAC, fluid was aspirated and smears showed granulomas along with multiple hyaline acellular membrane-like fragments, few showing vague laminations. A diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made at FNAC which was corroborated at histopathology. Conclusion. Intramuscular hydatid cyst of the thigh is a very rare manifestation. The possibility of hydatid cyst should be considered while aspirating any soft tissue mass lesion, especially when fluid is obtained and microscopy shows acellular hyaline membrane-like material, even when fewer laminations are noted.

A 60-year-old male, diabetic presented with a soft tissue mass over the right forearm of 15 days duration. The swelling was 5 x 3 cm and a clinical diagnosis of neurofibroma was made. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) was done using standard technique. Smears showed predominantly suppurative inflammation, foreign body giant cells, granulomas and fungal hyphae. KOH mount, culture and germ tube test was positive. Final diagnosis of fungal granuloma was made. Fungal infections should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass lesion. All soft tissue suppurative inflammatory lesions should be diligently screened to look for pathogens if any. Diagnostics in medicine have taken a major leap with advent of molecular technologies. Despite this, simple old traditional methods like FNAC supplemented by other basic laboratory techniques like KOH mount and culture still form the cream of a diagnostic laboratory and can come as a savior for the pathologist, the clinicians and the patients.

Chondroblastoma is a rare, giant cell-rich, benign neoplasm of bone. Since the past few decades fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has gained momentum in preoperative diagnosis of bone lesions. At cytology, other giant cell-rich tumors and tumorlike lesions such as aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC), giant cell tumor, and chondromyxoid fibroma fall under the differential diagnosis of chondroblastoma. Due to the difference in the treatment protocol and prognosis, preoperative diagnosis is mandatory. We describe the cytomorphology in two cases of chondroblastoma diagnosed at FNAC and confirmed by histopathology. At cytology, the presence of giant cells, chondroid matrix, mononuclear cells with nuclear indentation, and grooving along with glassy, vacuolated cytoplasm are characteristic of chondroblastoma. In addition to this, the presence of chicken wire calcification is a useful clue to the accurate diagnosis of chondroblastoma at FNAC.

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