Cytologic-pathologic correlations: fine needle aspiration of three cases of steatocystoma multiplex

Steatocystoma multiplex is a rare condition characterized by multiple subcutaneous nodules classically located on the anterior chest. Diagnosis usually is made clinically or by biopsy. The lesions may be numerous, and surgical treatment may not be practical or the results may be unsatisfactory. Three patients with multiple subcutaneous nodules underwent fine needle aspiration, which produced smears with acellular debris. A diagnosis was possible in the first patient because of close collaboration with a dermatologist. The lesions in the other patients were recognized clinically and were confirmed cytologically by fine needle aspiration. A syringe holder allows the use of thin needles (22-gauge) to aspirate very small lesions (4 to 5 mm). Fine needle aspiration may provide a useful alternative to surgical methods in the treatment of these lesions because it is inexpensive, well-tolerated by the patients, and has no associated morbidity.