Cytodiagnosis of sternocleidomastoid tumor of infancy

Sterocleidomastoid tumor of infancy (SCMI), also known as fibromatosis colli of infancy, is a benign, self limiting disease of new born characterised by its classical history and clinical presentation of firm to hard fusiform mass in the lower and middle portion of sternocleidomastoid. SCMI often appears during early perinatal period between second to fourth weeks of life. A well recognized association between SCMI and primiparous birth, breech presentation, prolonged difficult labor and forceps deliveries is found. Cytology shows spindle shaped mature fibroblastic cells scattered singly along with degenerated and multinucleated giant muscle cells in a clean background. It is important to differentiate this lesion from different forms of infantile fibromatosis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), as a time saving, rapid and reliable diagnostic procedure, has got bigger role to play in reassurance of anxious parents, guiding for conservative management and avoiding surgery.