USG guided fine needle aspiration cytology of intra-abdominal and pelvic masses in Kashmir: A study at tertiary care hospital

The evaluation of deep, abdomino-pelvic masses or focal lesions involving abdominal sites is often difficult and always remain as an enigma in surgical practice. Distinction between malignant and nonmalignant lesions and particularly inflammatorylesions is vital for patient management. Although distinction between malignant and nonmalignant lesions is often suspected from imaging techniques, the increasing use and sensitivity of radiological techniques has led to the identification of relatively small lesions, which require the use of image guidance for reliable targeting[1]. In a majority of cases, the diagnosis which is obtained by FNAC, is the substitute for surgical procedures like diagnostic laparotomy[2].