Recent advances in tumors of adipose tissue.

Abstract

The introduction of the modern organ imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT), has been the most important recent practical advance in the diagnosis and management of soft tissue tumors. In my experience, fine needle aspiration cytology investigation of soft tissue tumors presently results in an unacceptably high level of false-negative results. In my opinion, it should only be performed as a research procedure, and then only in tandem with the safer and more reliable core biopsy handled by urgent processing and paraffin sectioning of the tissue core. A false-negative report based on the interpretation of an aspiration cytology smear by a cytopathologist inexperienced in the aspiration cytology of an uncommon or rare soft tissue tumor, as is usually the case, may not only delay treatment but may even precipitate litigation.