Cytologic Features of ALK-Positive Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma.
- Author:
Seung Yeon HA
1
;
Jungsuk AHN
;
Mee Sook ROH
;
Joungho HAN
;
Jae Jun LEE
;
Boin LEE
;
Jun YIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Adenocarcinoma;
Lung;
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase;
Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung;
Cytology
- MeSH:
Adenocarcinoma;
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung;
Chromatin;
Lung;
Lymphoma;
Mucins;
Phosphotransferases;
Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
- From:Korean Journal of Pathology
2013;47(3):252-257
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the cytologic features of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expressing pulmonary adenocarcinoma. METHODS: We analyzed the cytopathological findings of 15 cases of endobronchial ultrasound guided aspiration and a case of bronchial washing. These cases were selected based on the histomorphology of ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Cytology showed mucinous (81.3%) and hemorrhagic (50%) backgrounds. The cells were arranged in tubulopapillary or tubulocribriform patterns (93.8%), and clusters (56.3%) admixed with signet ring cell features (87.5%). The tumor cells were monotonous and uniform with vesicular nuclei and a small nucleolus. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristic findings were sheets showing a tubulopapillary or tubulocribriform appearance, with vesicular nuclei and a bland chromatin pattern (p<0.001). Scattered signet ring cells were helpful in suggesting ALK-positive adenocarcinoma (p<0.001).
