Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of a lateral neck mass shows 'blue bodies' (mucoid material) surrounded by squamous cells and lymphocytes. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Lymph node metastasis from oral SCC
- B Branchial cleft cyst ✓
- C Reactive lymphadenitis
- D Tuberculous lymphadenitis
Correct answer: B. Branchial cleft cyst
Explanation
FNAC of a branchial cleft cyst typically shows squamous cells, lymphocytes, and mucoid (colloid-like) debris that appear as 'blue bodies' on Papanicolaou staining — reflecting the cyst's lining of stratified squamous and pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium within lymphoid tissue. Lymph node metastasis would show malignant squamous cells without the mucoid matrix in this pattern. Tuberculous lymphadenitis shows granulomas and caseous necrosis.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.