Parathyroid lesions: Difficult diagnosis on cytology

Cytology of parathyroid lesion (PL) is often confused with that of thyroid lesions. Differentiation between thyroid and PL is very difficult on cytomorphology because of their similar features and close anatomical proximity. Three cases of PLs reported on cytology in last one year were retrieved from archives of cytology department. Their cytomorphological details were studied and were correlated with the available biochemical parameters. Histopathology was available in two cases. Radiological assistance and parathyroid hormone (PTH) assessment in our cases formed the basis of diagnosing PLs on cytology. We discuss the differential diagnosis and pitfalls in cytological diagnosis of PLs. However, histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Interpretation of PLs on cytology remains problematic due to its rarity and limited available literature. The cytomorphology combined with clinical and biochemical data supported by histopathology are necessary to improve the diagnostic sensitivity of PLs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:704-709. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.