Evaluation of FineNeedle Aspiration Cytology of Articular and Periarticular Swellings

Abstract Background: Articular and periarticular swellings often present with non-specific clinical and radiological features, making early and accurate diagnosis challenging. Fineneedle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, minimally invasive, and cost-effective tool that facilitates rapid categorization of these lesions into benign, inflammatory, or malignant, enabling prompt management decisions. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 222 cases of palpable articular and periarticular swellings evaluated by FNAC over six years (2019–2024). Smears were stained with Giemsa, Papanicolaou, and Ziehl-Neelsen stains as appropriate. Cytological findings were correlated with clinico-radiological or histopathological outcomes. Results: Among 222 cases, 192 yielded diagnostic aspirates. Non-neoplastic lesions were most common (61.4%), with ganglion cysts (28.6%) and epidermal inclusion cysts (17.7%) being predominant. Benign neoplasms such as lipomas constituted 36.9%. Malignant lesions were rare (1.6%). Concordance with clinico-radiological or histopathological findings was observed in 85.4% of cases. Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable and efficient first-line diagnostic modality for articular and periarticular lesions. Its ability to distinguish between benign and malignant swellings helps avoid unnecessary surgical interventions and supports conservative treatment strategies in appropriate cases.