Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of suspected salivary gland lesions has an established role in preoperative diagnosis and management of patients. However diverse morphological patterns and overlapping features make it a challenging job, to give a precise diagnosis, at times. The aim of the present study is to discuss the problems and pitfalls in FNAC of salivary gland lesions and try to find out possible solutions. From cytology records of last 18 months (January 2004 to June 2005), four problematic cases were picked up, out of total 101 aspirates of salivary gland lesions. Cytology diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma in first three cases and low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the fourth case. The

histopathological diagnoses in these cases were low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma with fibromyxoid stroma, basal cell adenoma and benign lymphoepithelial cyst respectively. Cytology slides were reviewed. The problems in all these cases are discussed with possible solutions to solve the riddle. Certain guidelines can be practiced in order to avoid these pitfalls to a certain extent. MGG staining is a must in FNA of salivary gland lesions. Genuine problems do occur in typing of salivary gland tumours and it is prudent on occasions to limit the cytology report to differential diagnosis.