[Cytomorphology of fasciitis and its differential diagnosis]

Cytohistologic correlations were studied in 15 cases of fasciitis (nodular--10 and proliferative--5). Cytologic examination of punctate obtained from tumor-like lesions of the soft tissue is the only morphologic procedure available for pretreatment diagnosis of fasciitis. It assured a reliable diagnosis in 9 out of 15 cases. Intraoperatively, correct diagnosis was made in 12 out of 15 patients. Cytologic examination should be used in both out--and inpatients as well as for making urgent intraoperative diagnosis.