Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Pleomorphic Carcinomas of the Lung.
- Author:
Hee Seung CHOI
1
;
Hyesil SEOL
;
Il Yeong HEO
;
Chang Won JUNG
;
Soo Youn CHO
;
Sunhoo PARK
;
Jae Soo KOH
;
Seung Sook LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea. Hyesilseol@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Pleomorphic carcinoma;
Lung;
Cytology
- MeSH:
Biopsy, Fine-Needle;
Giant Cells;
Humans;
Keratins;
Korea;
Lung;
Lymphocytes;
Necrosis;
Neutrophils;
Population Characteristics;
Vimentin
- From:Korean Journal of Pathology
2012;46(6):576-582
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) is a rare pulmonary malignancy. Because of its rarity and histological heterogeneity, cytopathologists might suspect PC only rarely on the basis of its cytological specimen. In addition, cytological findings from fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens have rarely been described. Hence, we investigated the cytological features of FNA in the cases of PC. METHODS: We reviewed 7 FNA specimens of PC. The patients had undergone surgical resection at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital between 2007 and 2011. The cytological features of PC were assessed and compared with the histopathological features of the corresponding surgical specimen. Immunocytochemical analysis with cytokeratin and vimentin was performed on the cell blocks. RESULTS: The tumor cells were either dispersed or arranged in loose aggregates, and generally lacked any glandular or squamous differentiation. Pleomorphic or spindle shape tumor cells were observed, and mono-, bi-, or multi-nucleated giant cells were frequently observed. The background showed necrosis and contained numerous lymphocytes and neutrophils. Immunocytochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin. CONCLUSIONS: PC displays characteristic cytological features. It might therefore be possible to make an accurate diagnosis of PC by assessing the degree of nuclear atypia.
