Neuroblastoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy

Small-cell malignancies of childhood are a source of diagnostic difficulty, both in cytology and histology. Four cases of neuroblastoma are presented that were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. The importance of a complete history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation is stressed. In addition to the usual description of cytologic detail obtained by routine methods, a new method of study is introduced: the potential use of plastic embedding and histochemical studies in small-cell tumors is discussed.