Fibromatosis colli in infants. A cytologic study of eight cases.

OBJECTIVE

To review eight cases of fibromatosis colli and assess their cytomorphologic features.

STUDY DESIGN

Cytologic smears from eight patients diagnosed as having fibromatosis colli on fine needle aspiration cytology were reviewed.

RESULTS

Cytologic features of fibromatosis colli are bland-appearing fibroblasts and degenerative atrophic skeletal muscle in a clean background. Besides these, we found a large number of muscle giant cells; numerous bland, bare nuclei; and parallel clusters of fibroblasts. Collagen was seen in all cases.

CONCLUSION

A confirmatory, noninvasive diagnosis of fibromatosis colli can be made by fine needle aspiration cytology alone; invasive diagnostic and therapeutic measures are best avoided. Excision biopsy may not be necessary and should be reserved for cases with a strong clinicopathologic suspicion of malignancy.