Search

Osteoblastoma (OB) is a rare benign osteogenic bone neoplasm. It accounts for approximately 1% of all the primary bone tumors. OB shows a notable male predominance with male to female ratio of 2:1. It usually occurs in young adults with a mean age of 20 years. The most common sites are the posterior processes of vertebrae. It can also be seen in the long bones, small bones of hands and feet , facial bones , sacrum, however any bone can be affected. The clinical symptoms are non - specific, but pain local tenderness and swelling are usually reported. There is dull progressive pain which is more generalized than that of osteoid osteoma and is less likely to be relieved by aspirin or other analgesic. Sometimes systemic symptoms like weight loss and fever can be present. (1,2,,3,4,5,6,7,8 ,9) Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a minimally invasive procedure and is used world - wide for the diagnosis of various pathological lesions. Application of FNAC in osseous neoplasm is limited due to possibility of inadequate samples. (10) Diagnosis of OB by FNAC is rare. (3) In the present case OB was diagnosed on FNA based on combined evaluation of clinical data, radiological and microscopic findings . It was later confirmed by histopathology