Generally tissue samples from histopathology or open biopsy are used for cytogenetic analysis and only few studies have used tissue samples from Fine Needle aspiration for chromosomal analysis. To start neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bone sarcoma patients, we need final diagnosis. Open biopsy has its own disadvantages. FNAC and cytological examination can give valuable information about the tumor. Apart from immunocytochemistry and electron microscopic examination of aspirated tissue, chromosomal analysis has also become a tool in diagnosing bone sarcoma.
During the period of six years in our hospital from 2016 to 2022, we cytogenetically analyzed FNACs from 11 primary bone sarcomas (4 osteosarcomas and 7 Ewing sarcomas). Out of them one of the osteosarcomas showed abnormal, complex karyotypes seen in most highly-malignant osteosarcomas and Four Ewing's sarcoma aspirates displayed abnormal karyotypes; two of these had the characteristic 11;22 translocation, and in one of these cases molecular genetic analysis revealed the hybrid EWS/FLI1 transcript.
Chromosomal analysis of FNACs from suspected osteosarcoma didn’t provide much information, few cases showed high-grade malignancy. But in Ewing's sarcomas, these were of great value in making the diagnosis. 11;22 translocation finding on chromosomal analysis was diagnostic and strongly supported the cytologic diagnosis in six cases of Ewing's sarcoma. Tissues obtained by FNAC was sufficient for cytologic, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic analysis in two tumors. Molecular genetic analysis in one tumor showed the classical EWS/FLI1 transcript in Ewing's sarcoma.
FNAC and cytological examination is of limited value in patients with osteosarcoma and cannot make precise diagnosis but they can give reliable information and support the diagnosis in cases of Ewing's Sarcomas and help in starting multimodality treatment for bone sarcoma patients at the earliest.
CMCH1622.
CMCH.
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All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.