Fine needle aspiration cytology of chondroblastoma--a case report

Chondroblastoma accounts for less than one percent of osseous neoplasms, and is one fifth as common as giant cell tumor, a lesion with which it is very frequently confused. It has a marked predilection for the epiphysis of long bones. Radiologically, these are lytic lesions with a thin margin of increased density. A majority of chondroblastomas have an entirely benign course and are successfully treated by curettage and bony chip grafts. Clinically, chondroblastomas may be confused with other neoplasms, both benign and malignant. Fine needle aspiration is fast gaining acceptance as an accurate and rapid technique for diagnosing osseous neoplasms. The cytological features of chondroblastoma like individually lying chondroblasts, nuclear grooves, chodroid matrix and chicken-wire calcification are diagnostic of this neoplasm and may allow fine needle aspiration to become a valuable pre-operative technique in the management of these patients.