The Role of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aims. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the skin in humans. The diagnosis of BCC is made clinically, which can then be confirmed microscopically. Biopsy or surgical excision of the lesion provides the specimen for histopathological examination, which is the mainstay for diagnosis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) on the other hand is an even simpler procedure, which can provide accurate diagnosis to confirm or exclude the malignancy. Methods. Here, we present our experience on the role of FNAC in diagnosing BCC. We were able to recruit 37 patients, of which 35 had BCC. Both FNAC and biopsy were obtained and then interpreted independently of one another. Results. Cytology correlated with histopathology in all cases except for 2 in which the yield was deemed inadequate. The sensitivity and specificity of fine-needle aspiration cytology for basal cell carcinoma were 94.3% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions. We, therefore, recommend this technique for the initial evaluation of a patient with suspected BCC or in cases of recurrence. The technique is cheap, quick, less invasive, and highly accurate for the diagnosis of BCC. The limitation of the technique is low yield in some of the cases. 1. Introduction Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the skin in humans. Even though the neoplasm is malignant, it rarely metastasizes, presenting mainly with a healing and recurring lesion, which may bleed as well [1]. The tumor mainly presents in individuals older than 40 years, with the incidence being more in males than females. One of the factors is prolonged “heavy” exposure to sun during youth predisposing to BCC later in life [2]. The diagnosis of BCC is made clinically, which can then be confirmed microscopically [2]. “Suspicious lesions occurring in high risk areas, such as the central portion of the face, should undergo prompt biopsy to obtain a timely diagnosis” [3]. Biopsy or surgical excision of the lesion provides the specimen for histopathological examination, which is the mainstay for diagnosis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology on the other hand is an even simpler procedure, which can provide accurate diagnosis to confirm or exclude the malignancy. There are, however, very few reports on the utility of this technique for diagnosing BCC. Here, we present our experience on the role of FNAC in diagnosing BCC. 2. Methods Patients with a clinical suspicion of BCC were referred by a dermatologist for microscopic confirmation. The purpose of the study was explained to the patients and