Cytologic diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma of the liver with fine‐needle biopsy

Abstract

We present the cytopathologic findings in seven cases of cavernous hemangiomas of the liver diagnosed by direct "squash" smears made on tissue obtained through image-guided fine-needle biopsy. The diagnosis in each case was confirmed histologically. Utilizing this simple cytologic technique, the morphologic findings in these common hepatic lesions are as accurate and diagnostic as histologic examination.

Spindle‐cell lesions of the liver: Diagnosis by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy

“…Hemangiomas are common benign lesions of the liver and are reported to occur in 4% of the general population. 2 The most common spindle-cell lesion of the liver definitively diagnosed by FNAB in our study is hemagnioma (n ϭ 12, 41% of total cases). Most hemangiomas are solitary and small, but they may also occur as multiple or large lesions.…”

“…Although many cases of hemangiomas have a characteristic radiologic appearance, imaging studies are often inconclusive, even when various modalities are combined or strict diagnostic criteria are employed. 2,3 Tissue diagnosis is often required.…”

“…The presence of hepatic hemangioma was previously considered a contraindication to needle biopsy. 2,3 Serious complications after biopsy such as fatal hemorrhage, peritonitis, and lymphorrhea have been reported. 3,4 More recently, with the increased use of finer-gauged needles and improved aspiration techniques, the procedure can often be performed with minimal morbidity.…”

“…Diagnostic Cytopathology, Vol 25, No 2 Metastatic spindle-cell carcinomas. Our study demonstrated one case of metastatic sarcomatoid carcinoma arising from the kidney.…”