Combined CT guided tru-cut biopsy and imprint cytology in the diagnosis of bone tumors and tumor like lesions

Abstract

Background: Bone lesions are often histologically heterogenous. The advantage of trucut biopsies in this context is that they provide a safe and accurate biopsy technique that can be performed in less specialized centers. In this series we found combination of biopsy and cytology helpful in diagnosing bone lesions. However clinical picture and radiologic features are vital in arriving at a final diagnosis. Aims and Objectives: 1) To assess the diagnostic accuracy of combined CT guided tru-cut biopsy and imprint cytology in the diagnosis of bone tumors and tumor like lesions. 2) To analyze the spectrum of different bone lesions. Materials and Methods: 108 consecutive cases of bone lesions for which CT guided tru-cut biopsy and imprint cytology were done between June 2010 and april 2012 were retrospectively studied. Both smears and biopsies were categorized into five groups.Correlation between biopsy and cytology were also evaluated. Results: Total number of cases were 108 of which 8 cases were inconclusive. In 100 cases a useful opinion could be given. There were 36 cases of primary bone tumors, 13 cases of plasma cell neoplasms, 42 metastatic tumors, 9 non neoplastic lesions and 8 inconclusive cases. Conclusion: Preliminary diagnosis of bone lesions before definitive therapy helps to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures. Tru cut biopsies supplemented by imprint cytology can provide definitive diagnosis in majority of cases.