Fine Needle Aspiration diagnosis of Carotid Body Tumor (Paraganglioma) in a patient suspected of Tuberculosis.

Abstract

Carotid body tumor (CBT) or paraganglioma is a rare tumor which presents as a mass in the lateral part of the neck. It is typically a slow-growing and asymptomatic mass in the beginning, arising from the chief cells of carotid body which is situated at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. We describe detection of one such tumor by fine needle aspiration cytology in a 30-year-old lady with left neck swellings clinically suspected of tubercular lymphadenitis. The aspirate was hemorrhagic with clusters of round to oval cells showing moderate anisokaryosis and uniform nuclear features. Delicate fibrous strands with spindle cells were also observed within these clusters. Based on these cytologic findings and location of the swelling, a diagnosis of CBT was made. It was evaluated later on by Doppler USG which supported our diagnosis. Subsequently the mass was excised and the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological examination. Our case report adds to the existing literature on cytologic diagnosis of CBT, further attesting to its safety and accuracy. Also, stating the importance of morphology which is still the cornerstone in the field of pathology for reaching final diagnosis.