Cytological features of ectopic nasal meningioma. Report of a case diagnosed using FNAC

Durre Aden1, Sufian Zaheer1, Sunil Ranga1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.

Insights

This case study details a rare nasal cavity meningioma diagnosed via fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). FNAC findings were crucial for identifying this extracranial meningioma in an unusual location.

Area of Science:

  • Pathology
  • Oncology
  • Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

  • Meningiomas are typically intracranial tumors arising from meningothelial cells.
  • Primary extracranial meningiomas are rare, with nasal cavity involvement being exceptionally uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of primary extracranial meningioma originating in the nasal cavity.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in identifying meningiomas at rare extraneural sites.

Main Methods:

  • A case of nasal cavity mass was investigated.
  • Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed.
  • Cytological features were analyzed for diagnostic clues.

Main Results:

  • FNAC revealed characteristic features of meningioma, including loose clusters of epithelioid cells with splayed cytoplasm.
  • Focal whorling and occasional psammoma bodies were observed, supporting the diagnosis.
  • These findings were consistent with a primary extracranial meningioma of the nasal cavity.

Conclusions:

  • Primary extracranial meningioma of the nasal cavity is a rare entity.
  • FNAC is a valuable tool for the initial diagnosis of meningiomas, even in unusual extraneural locations.
  • Recognition of characteristic cytomorphology is key for accurate diagnosis.