Cytology features of childhood jaw tumors are infrequently reported in the literature. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been used with good results in the differential diagnosis of bone lesions, being an excellent tool for the diagnosis of metastases and in the frontline approach to primary lesions. We report 3 cases of young children aged 3 years (case 1), 5 months (case 2), and 15 years (case 3) with jaw tumors diagnosed by FNAC. In the first two cases the diagnosis was prognoma, and in the third case cementifying fibroma. Despite the clinical and imaging similarity of the 3 cases – large maxillary/mandibular tumors – their characteristic cytological features allowed a confident diagnosis, excluding other differential alternatives. In both case 1 and case 2 a dual cell population of neuroepithelial and melanocytic cells was identified, consistent with a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor. In case 3 the presence of a bland spindle cell population as well as of several nodular dense eosinophilic, osteoid-like (cement) matrices, indicated a cementifying fibroma. All cases were resected and confirmed by histological examination. A review of the literature, including differential diagnosis, addresses the utility of FNAC in childhood jaw tumors.

Keywords:
Cytology, Fine-needle aspiration, Childhood, Jaw, Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor, Prognoma, Cementifying fibroma
© 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel
2012
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.