Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the management of pediatric renal tumors

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a useful pre-operative procedure in pediatric renal tumors. It is a safe technique that does not upstage the tumor and permits positive diagnosis of Wilm′s tumor in almost all aspirates with use of immunocytochemistry for cytokeratin and WT-1. Advanced information on diagnosis of Wilm′s tumor, especially, the presence of stroma predominance or anaplastic change is a guide to selection and monitoring of chemotherapy. Early diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) by FNAC helps in the evaluation of bone metastasis and selection of Doxorubicin-based chemotherapy protocols to which the tumor is responsive. Thus, the routine use of FNAC is helpful for further investigation and management of pediatric renal masses