Skin tumors and tumor-like lesions constitute a heterogeneous group of pathological conditions that range from benign cystic lesions and adnexal tumors to aggressive malignant neoplasms and metastatic deposits. Accurate diagnosis of these lesions is essential for appropriate treatment and prognosis. Although histopathological examination remains the gold standard for diagnosis, minimally invasive techniques such as fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) have emerged as valuable tools for the preliminary evaluation of cutaneous lesions. FNAC is a rapid, safe, minimally invasive and cost-effective diagnostic method that can be performed in outpatient settings and helps in early clinical decision making [1]. 
 
Cytopathology has evolved significantly over the last century. The technique of aspiration cytology was first described in the nineteenth century and gradually developed into an important diagnostic modality in  modern pathology. Early investigators demonstrated the usefulness of needle aspiration in diagnosing various diseases including neoplasms. With the advancement of 
cytological techniques and better understanding of cellular morphology, FNAC has become a widely accepted diagnostic tool for evaluating tumors of different organs including the skin [2,3]. 
 
Cutaneous tumors originate from various structural components of the skin including epidermal keratinocytes, melanocytes, adnexal structures, vascular elements and neural tissues. According to the World Health Organization classification, skin tumors are broadly categorized into keratinocytic tumors, melanocytic tumors, adnexal tumors and soft tissue tumors [4]. Among these, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common non melanoma skin cancers worldwide [5]. 
 
Tumor-like lesions of the skin, such as epidermal cysts, trichilemmal cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts and other How to Cite: J S Manur, R K Manur, O Puvvala, “Cytomorphological Assessment of Cutaneous Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions: A Prospective Study with Histopathological Correlation, "CME J Ger Med, Vol. 17, No.2, 2025, pp. 90-94. benign conditions, often clinically mimic neoplastic lesions. Therefore, accurate differentiation between benign, malignant and tumor-like lesions is crucial for 
appropriate patient management. FNAC plays a significant role in this regard by providing valuable cytomorphological information that helps categorize lesions and guide further diagnostic or therapeutic procedures [6]. 

In addition to primary cutaneous tumors, the skin may also be involved by metastatic deposits from internal malignancies. Recognition of such lesions through cytological examination can provide important clues to an underlying malignancy and aid in early diagnosis of metastatic disease [7]. 

Despite the advantages of FNAC, certain limitations exist due to overlapping cytological features among various skin lesions. Therefore, correlation with histopathological findings is essential whenever possible to confirm the cytological diagnosis and improve diagnostic accuracy [8]. 

Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the cytomorphology of tumors and tumor-like lesions of the skin and to correlate the cytological findings with histopathological diagnosis wherever possible.