Background: This study was to understand significance of fine needle aspiration cytology-conventional smear and cell block preparation, to compare morphological features and to evaluate the diagnostic utility of cell block along with fine needle aspiration cytology and its effectiveness in routine use in cyto-diagnosis of neck swellings and breast lesions. Methods: In present study, FNAs performed in Minor OT (OPD patient), sixty six fine needle aspirates from neck and breast lesions were submitted to the cytology section and FNAC remnants were taken for cell block preparation. Results: Positive correlation between cell block and FNAC smear for malignant and benign lesions was seen in 86.67% and 81.82% cases respectively. Absolute concordance was found in 84.12% between both techniques and the strength of agreement was good. Conclusions: Tissue architecture is well appreciated in cell blocks. Cell blocks can be used for special stains and for immunohistochemistry which can be carried out on sections and can diagnose certain tumors without requiring surgical interventions. Combined use of FNAC smear and cellblock can be useful for establishing a more definitive cytopathologic diagnosis. The disadvantage with cellblock technique is delay in the in the diagnosis when compared to FNAC smear and sometimes risk of losing material during processing.
