49 Histiocytoma
CASE WORK-UP
A fine-needle aspirate sample was obtained aseptically with a 23-gauge needle. The author’s technique is to insert the needle into the lump and redirect it in and out in several directions and then remove it. A 10-ml syringe containing air is attached to the needle and the contents expressed onto a clean microscope slide by pushing in the plunger. Usually, this method produces a good harvest of cells. The slide is stained with modified Wright’s stain or sent to a cytopathologist. A correct interpretation of the sample is essential to avoid a misdiagnosis, which could lead to major surgery or to other life-threatening treatments.

Figure 49.2 Round cells with round or indented nucleus and pale blue staining cytoplasm (note lack of granules).
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