Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Volume 9(1); June 1998

Original Articles

Distinction between Reactive Mesothelial and Carcinoma Cells in Serous Effusions by Mucin- and Immuno-cytochemical Panel .: Byung Heon Kim; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):1-14.

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Abstract PDF: The cytologic distinction of carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells can be difficult, especially in specimens containing abundant reactive mesothelial cells and inflammatory cells with scant carcinoma cells. This study evaluates the usefulness of mucin and immunocytochemistry for discrimination between reactive mesothelial cells and carcinoma cells, and sensitivity and specificity of these stains for the detection of metastatic carcinoma in serous effusions. Immunocytochemical panel including mucin cytochemistry with the periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) reaction after or without diastase digestion was undertaken on 127 serous effusion specimens with histologically confirmed diagnoses. The specimens including cell smears and cell blocks were stained with PAS and antibodies to carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), epithelial membrane antigen(EMA), cytokeratin(CK), and vimentin. The sensitivities of these stains for metastatic carcinoma(127 cases) were 49%(46/94) in PAS, 48%(60/124) in CEA, 89%(97/109) in EMA, 88%(93/106) in CK, and 25%(20/81) in vimentin. The sensitivities of stains for reactive mesothelial cells(36 cases) were 19%(7/36) in EMA, 78%(28/36) in CK, and 75%(27/36) in vimentin. The PAS and CEA stains were not reacted with all cases of benign reactive serous effusions containing abundant reactive mesothelial cells. The specificities of stains for metastatic carcinoma(127 cases) were 100% in PAS, 100% in CEA, 81% in EMA, 22% in CK, and 25% in vimentin. The optimal combination of stains for use in a panel was PAS and CEA. Combined results from these two stains yielded an advanced sensitivity of 8% in PAS and 4% in CEA for metastatic carcinoma. EMA wasalso cosiderably useful for identification of carcinoma cells. CK and vimentin were not suitable for distinguishing between reactive mesothelial cells and carcinoma cells.

p53 Immunoreactivity in the Cytology of Body Cavity Fluid.: Sun Hee Sung, Woon Sup Han; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):15-20.

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Abstract PDF: Mutant form of the p53 gene product is abnormally accumulated in the nuclei of the tumor cells due to prolonged half life, and readily detected by immunohisto- chemical methods. To determine the positivity rate of p53 in body cavity fluid according the primary site and histological types of tumors and the utility of p53 immunostaining as an adjunct in the diagnosis of malignancy, we reviewed 69 effusions, including pleural effusion, ascitic fluid, and pericardial fluid, that were diagnosed as overt malignancy and 21 effusions of suspicious malignancy. Immuno- histochemistry was performed on paraffin-embedded cell blocks using a monoclonal antibody to p53 supressor gene product(Clone DO7) and a standard avidin-biotin complex technique with a citrate buffer antigen retrieval solution. The results were as follows; of the 46 pleural effusions with overt malignancy, 22 were immunopositive for p53 protein; of the 21 ascitic fluids with overt malignancy, 5 were positive for p53. Positivity rates according to the primary sites of tumors were 18 of 34(52.9%), 8 of 21(38.1%), 1 of 9(11.1%) cases of the tumors of the lung, GI tract, and ovary, respectively. According to the histologic types of lung cancer, 11 cases(61.6%) were positive out of 18 adenocarcinomas, 2 of 5 large cell undifferentiated carcinomas, and 1 of 2 small cell undifferentiated carcinomas. Of 21 cases of suspicious malignancy, 6 were positive for p53 and all of them(6/6) were confirmed as adeno- carcinoma of the lung or GI tract. These findings indicate that p53 immunostaining using paraffin embedded cell block is useful diagnostic and prognostic marker in body fluid cytology although negative immunostaining does not exclude malignancy.

Cytologic Analysis of Malignant Tumor Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid.: Jae Hee Suh, Gyungyub Gong, Shin Kwang Khang, On Ja Kim; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):21-28.

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Abstract PDF: Cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) is an effective tool in diagnosing many disorders involving the central nervous system(CNS). CSF examination has been found to be of particular value in the diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma, lymphomatous or leukemic involvement of CNS and certain primary CNS tumors. As a survey of metastatic tumors to CSF and an evaluation of the preparation techniques increasing cellular yield in our laboratory, 713 CSF specimens examined between July 1995 and April 1997(1 year 10 months), were reviewed. There were 75 positive and 5 suspicious cases, the latter have had no evidence of tumors clinically. Primary tumors of 75 positive cases were classified as follows; 4(5.3%) as primary brain tumors, 40(53.3%) as secondary carcinomas, 13(17.3%) as leukemias, and 18 (24.0%) as lymphomas. The most common primary site of metastatic carcinomas was the lung in 17 cases(42.5%) followed by the stomach in 13(32.5%), breast in 8 (20.0%), and unknown primary in 2(5.0%). Four primary brain tumors were 3 cerebellar medulloblastomas and a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). All 40 metastatic carcinomas were adenocarcinoma presented as single cells or cell clusters. Although signet ring cells were frequent in the cases of gastric primary cancers, no significant cytologic differences according to the primary site were observed. The cytologic features of leukemia and lymphoma were characterized by hypercellular smears presenting as individual atypical cells with increased N/C ratio, presence of nucleoli, and nuclear protrusions. In medulloblastomas and PNET, the principal cytologic findings were small undifferentiated cells arranged singly or in loose clusters with occasional rosettoid features. This study suggests that the CSF cytology is useful in the diagnosis of malignancy, especially metastatic extracranial tumors and the diagnostic accuracy can be improved by increasing cellular yield using cytocentrifuge.

Histologic and Cytologic Follow-up in Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance(ASCUS) on Cervical Smears.: Mi Kyung Shin; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):29-36.

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Abstract PDF: In 1988, The Bethesda System for reporting cervical and vaginal cytologic diagnoses was introduced and this was revised in 1991. The new diagnostic category "atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance(ASCUS)" introduced by The Bethesda System is an area of controversy about the diagnostic category, clinical significance and appropriate treatment. A retrospective 2 years and 9 months study(April,1994-December,1996) was performed to evaluate the significance of reporting ASCUS on cervical smears. Sixtyseven(1.17%) of 5,730 smears were diagnosed as ASCUS and 21 cases were followed by cervical biopsies and/or endocervical curettages in 4 cases(19%), and repeat cervical smears in 17 cases (81%). Tissue diagnoses were benign in 2 cases and squamous cell carcinoma in situ in 2 cases. Cytologic diagnosis of follow up smear were negative in 14 cases (82.4%) and persistent ASCUS in 3 cases(17.6%).

Clinical Experience and Sensitivity of the AutoPap 300 QC System in Cervicovaginal Cytology.: Sung Ran Hong, Jong Sook Park, Hoi Sook Jang, Yee Jeong Kim, Hy Sook Kim, Chong Taik Park, In Sou Park; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):37-44.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: False negatives of cervical smears due to screening errors pose a significant and persistent problem. AutoPap 300 QC System, an automated screening device, is designed to rescreen conventionally prepared Pap smears initially screened by cytotechnologists as normal. Clinical experience and sensitivity of the AutoPap 300 QC System were assessed and compared with current 10% random quality control technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In clinical practice, a total of 18,592 "within normal limits" or "benign cellular changes" cases classified by The Bethesda System were rescreened by the AutoPap System. In study for sensitivity of The AutoPap System to detect false negatives, a total of 1,680 "within normal limits" or "benign cellular changes" cases were rescreened both manually and by the AutoPap System. The sensitivity of the AutoPap System to these false negatives was assessed at 10% review rate to compare 10% random manual rescreen.
RESULTS
In clinical practice, 38 false negatives were identified by the AutoPap System and we had achieved 0.2% reduction in the false negative rate of screening error. In study for sensitivity, 37 false negatives were identified by manual rescreening, and 23 cases(62.2%) of the abnormal squamous cytology were detected by the AutoPap System at 10% review rate. CONCLUSONS: The AutoPap 300 QC System is a sensitive automated rescreening device that can detect potential false negatives prior to reporting and can reduce false negative rates in the laboratory. The device is confirmed to be about eight times superior to the 10% random rescreen in detecting false negatives.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of the Breast Lesions: Application of the Masood's Scoring System.: Ae Lee Kim, Hye Sun Kim, Han Kyeom Kim, Nam Hee Won, Mee Ja Park, Bum Hwan Koo; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):45-54.

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Abstract PDF: Fine needle aspiration cytology is considered as a useful diagnostic procedure in management of patients with breast lesions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the scoring system of Masood in the interpretation of breast aspirates, to establish the most useful cytologic criteria for the diagnosis of breast lesions, and to subclassify the benign breast diseases. To assess the feasibility of a cytologic grading system, 57 cases of benign breast disease, 61 cases of malignant breast disease were studied, respectively. The aspirates were evaluated for the cellular arrangement, the degree of cellular pleomorphism and anisonucleosis, and the presence of myoepithelial cells and nuceoli. Values ranging from 1 to 4 were assigned to each criterion and the sum of the individual values was made for each case. The presence of stroma, apocrine metaplasia, foamy histiocytes and inflammatory cells, background of the smear, and cellularity were also evaluated. Cut-off value of the scoring system of Masood between benign and malignant lesion was 15. Among the cytologic criteria, cellular arrangement, presence of myoepithelial cells, nucleoli, and stroma, status of chromatin pattern, and background of smear were useful criteria in the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions. Application of the scoring system of Masood does not always make the accurate diagnosis and the subclassification of benign breast disease.

Comparison between Transthoracic Fine Needle Aspiration Cytologyand Gun Biopsy of Pulmonary Mass.: Eun Sook Nam, Duck Hwan Kim, Hyung Sik Shin; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):55-62.

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Abstract PDF: To compare the diagnostic yields and complication rates of transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) and gun biopsy in the diagnosis of pulmonary mass, a retrospective review was performed in 125 cases. Under the fluoroscopic guide, FNAC was performed by 20G Chiba needle in 91 cases, core biopsy was done by 18.5 G vaccum needle attached with automated biopsy gun in 74 cases and both procedures were done together in 37 cases. Overall sensitivity was 88.4% in FNAC and 87.5% in gun biopsy. For malignant pulmonary tumors, correct type correlation with final diagnosis was obtained in 33(76.7%) out of 43 cases by FNAC and 30(75.0%) out of 40 cases by gun biopsy. For benign pulmonary lesions, there were correct type correlation in 14(35.0%) out of 40 cases by FNAC and 14(53.8%) out of 26 cases by gun biopsy. The complication was pneumothorax and hemoptysis. Pneumothorax occured in 11.1% of FNAC, 10.9% of gun biopsy and 10.9% of both technique, among which chest tube drainages were necessary in one patient by gun biopsy and in three patients by both technique. Although no significant difference of diagnositc accuracy and complication rate was found between FNAC and gun biopsy, gun biopsy was more helpful in the diagnosis of pulmonary benign lesions than FNAC.

Morphometric Study on Fine Needle Aspirates from Follicular Adenoma and Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid.: Young Chae Chu, Hee Jung Cha, Soo Kee Min, Joon Mee Kim, Tae Sook Hwang; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):63-68.

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Abstract PDF: Fine needle aspiration cytology of "cold" nodules of the thyroid has proved to be of great value in their preoperative diagnosis. Most types of thyroid tumors are readily recognizable from characteristic cellular patterns in the smears of needle aspirates. But follicular neoplasms present some problems because the cytomorphology of the adenomas frequently is same as in carcinoma. For differentiation of benign from malignant follicular neoplasms of the thyroid we tested the usefulness of two objective parameters - nuclear area and perimeter - by morphometry. This study was made on fine needle aspirates from 30 cases with cytologic diagnosis of follicular neoplasm of thyroid. The histologic classification was follicular adenoma in 22 cases and follicular carcinoma in 8 cases. As a reference group we used seven caes with nodular hyperplasia. The smears of aspirates were stained by Papanicolaou method. On each slide 200 randomly selected cells with intact nuclei were measured. The mean value of nuclear area are 25.32+/-5.50 micrometer2, 34.08+/-7.50 micrometer2 and 39.97+/-6.63 micrometer2 in nodular hyperplasia, follicular adenoma, and follicular carcinoma, respectively. The mean value of perimeter are 19.48+/-2.26 micrometer, 22.95+/-2.65 micrometer and 24.78+/-2.23 micrometer in nodular hyperplasia, follicular adenoma and follicular carcinoma, respectively. The mean nuclear areas and perimeters of cells from follicular adenoma were significantly larger than those from nodular hyperplasia (p<0.05). The mean nuclear areas and perimeters of cells from follicular carcinoma were larger than those from follicular adenoma but the differences are not significant statistically(p<0.05). Therefore, morphometric assessment alone is inadequate to predict malignancy in thyroid aspirates.

A Study on the Cytologic Features of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Thyroid Follicular Neoplasm and Nodular Goiter.: Jin Ye Yoo, Hye Jae Cho, Il Hyang Ko; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):69-78.

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Abstract PDF: There is a lot of difficulty in the diagnosis of follicular lesions of the thyroid by fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC). The main purpose of this report is offering more guidance regarding the cytologic appearance to distinguish follicular neoplasm from nodular goiter and laying stress on the presence of mixed group. The histologic and cytologic findings of 23 follicular neoplasms and 13 nodular (adenomatous) goiters were reviewed. Histologic specimens were classified into the microfollicular(MIF), mixed(MIX), and nodular goiter(NG) groups. The comparison of histologic patterns with histologic diagnosis revealed that all the lesions with predominantly microfollicular, trabecular, or solid pattern were follicular carcinoma and all the lesions with predominantly macrofollicular pattern were nodular goiter. The distinguishing cytologic features for the MIF group were irregular cell arrangement in cell groups(100%, p=0.00001), absence of atrophic follicular cells(100%, p=0.0007), abundant microfollicles(100%, p=0.002), pleomorphic nuclei(100%, p=0.002), not predominant syncytial smear pattern(100%, p=0.002), heterochromatin(100%, p=0.032), absence of macrofollicles(100%, p=0.038), scant colloid(100%, p=0.04), clear background(83%, p=0.00006), and uniform sized follicles(83%, p=0.014). And regular cell arrangement(honeycomb appearance) in cell groups(85%, p=0.0000), atrophic change of follicular cells(69%, p=0.0002), syncytial smear pattern(54%, p=0.006), monomorphic nuclei(85%, p=0.008), and hemorrhagic background(100%, p=0.027) were characteristic features of the NG group. Seventeen out of 36 cases(47%) were the MIX group composed of combined cytologic features of the MIF and NG groups. Therefore the frequent presence of the MIX group is considered to be main cause of the difficultyin the diagnosis of follicular lesions by FNAC. The mixed morphologic feature may support the hypothesis of a biologic "continuum" between nodular goiter and follicular neoplasm of thyroid gland.

Case Reports

Multiple Angiomyolipoma of the Liver: Report of a Case with Diagnosis by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.: Hyu Lee Yim, Kwang Wha Park, Kyi Beom Lee; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):79-84.

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Abstract PDF: Angiomyolipoma(AML) of the liver is a rare benign tumor; about 60 cases, almost solitary, have been reported. We present here a extremely rare case of multiple AML in the liver diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Two large masses were found in a 51 year-old woman complaining of abdominal discomfort by computed tomography and several smaller masses are scattered in the liver. FNAC was performed, showing bundles of spindle shaped smooth muscle cells intermingled with mature fat cells. FNAC may be a valuable method for definitive diagnosis of hepatic AML. The diagnosis was further confirmed by histologic examination with immunohistochemical studies.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Pulmonary Lesions in Wegener's Granulomatosis: A Case Report.: Eun Joo Seo, Hi Jeong Kwon, Ki Ouk Min; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):85-88.

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Abstract PDF: We described the findings of fine needle aspiration cytology of the lung from a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the patients with Wegener's granulomatosis is essential for a better prognosis. However, the variety of clinical presentations and nonspecific radiologic infiltrates of Wegener's granulomatosis frequently make the diagnosis difficult. Although an open lung biopsy is required for a firm diagnosis, fine needle aspiration cytology & biopsy preparation can also provide an adequate tissue sample, when the findings of fine needle aspiration are considered with clinical manifestations and ANCA value in the serum. The cytologic smears showed scattered necrotic tissue fragments entrapping many neutrophils and occasional epithelioid cells. Multinucleated giant cells were infrequently observed. Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid fast bacilli was negative. All the cytologic features recapitulated the histopathologic findings of purulent and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation seen in Wegener's granulomatosis.

Original Article

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Osteoclastic Giant Cell Tumor of the Pancreas.: Sun Hee Sung, Woon Sup Han; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):89-94.

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Abstract PDF: A case of fine needle aspiration cytology of an osteoclastic giant cell tumor of pancreas, which is an uncommon variant of ductal adenocarcinoma, is described. Aspirated tumor cells were characterized by three populations: (1) bland osteoclast like giant cells with multiple small, round nuclei with distinct nucleoli, and abundant cytoplasm, (2) individually scattered or loosely clustered medium sized mononuclear tumor cells, having fine chromatin, smooth nuclear membrane, often prominent nucleoli, and high N/C ratio, (3) bland or atypical spindle shaped cells. Osteoid like lacy material was also seen on cell block section. The immunohistochemical studies using paraffin embedded cell block section showed positivities for vimentin and lysozyme in both giant and mononuclear tumor cells. However, they were negative for cytokeratin, epithelial membrane antigen, S-100 protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and p53.

Case Report

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report.: Yeong Ju Woo, Sung Sook Kim, Jong Wha Lee; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):95-98.

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Abstract PDF: Papillary renal cell carcinoma(RCC) is an uncommon subtype of RCC that has distinctive gross, histologic, and cytogenetic features. The cytologic features of FNA are abundant papillary clusters and relatively few single cells. The cells are usually small and contain uniform nuclei; numerous macrophages with foamy cytoplasm are often found in the background. We describe a case of papillary renal cell carcinoma evaluated by fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) in a 42 year-old man. The smear showed a few papillary clusters and numerous macrophages with foamy cytoplasm in the background. With adequate cellularity, papillary RCC can be distinguished reliably from non-papillary RCC by FNAC.

Original Articles

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A case mimicking malignant fibrous histiocytoma.: Jung Won Lee, Young Lyun Oh, Young Hyeh Ko; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):99-104.

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Abstract PDF: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) populated with anaplastic, often bizarre cells that express CD30 (Ki-1) antigen. The unusual histologic and cytologic features may cause confusion with other neoplasms, such as poorly differentiated carcinoma, melanoma, Hodgkin's disease, or true histiocytic lymphoma. Although the cytologic features of ALCL have been well described, there are few reports about cytologic findings of the sarcomatoid variant of ALCL. We experienced a case of fine needle aspiration(FNA) cytologic findings of ALCL which mimicks malignant fibrous histiocytoma. FNA cytology of chest wall mass in a 62-year-old female with a history of peripheral T-cell lymphoma(Lennert lymphoma) revealed a heterogeneous population of single cells and poorly cohesive cells with large, pleomorphic nuclei and spindle cells gathering around vascular structures within an inflammatory background. Additional features of the neoplastic cells were eccentric, multilobated nuclei with occasional "wreath-like" configuration; abundant cytoplasm with vacuolization; and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic features suggested sarcoma, especially malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The diagnosis was made retrospectively with an aid of immunocytochemical staining.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Adenomyoepithelioma of the Breast: Comparison with Typical Fibroadenoma.: Hye Kyoung Yoon, Soo Jin Jung, Mi Seon Kang; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):105-110.

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Abstract PDF: Adenomyoepithelioma is an uncommon benign tumor of the breast. We present the fine needle aspiration cytologic features of adenomyoepithelioma in a 23 year-old Korean women, initially diagnosed as fibroadenoma. Aspiration cytologic findings of the left breast mass revealed high cellularity, small to medium sized, less cohesive epithelial clusters, rich naked cells and amorphous materials on background. The epithelial cells were round and uniform with no cytologic atypia or mitosis. Myoepithelial cells were conspicuous with peripheral rimming along the epithelial clusters. Small amount of fibrotic stromal tissues were observed. Distinguishing features from typical fibroadenoma are less tight epithelial clusters, dyscohesive epithelial cell aggregates, more abundant naked cells and scant stromal tissue fragments.

Case Reports

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Metastatic Melanoma in the Breast: A Case Report.: Young Lyun Oh, Young Hyeh Ko; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):111-116.

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Abstract PDF: Although the characteristic cytologic features of melanoma have been well described, the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) may be difficult in the case of amelanotic melanoma and in the absence of awareness of clinical history. Furthermore, when the breast is the site of initial presentation, it could simulate a primary breast carcinoma leading to misdiagnosis. The recognition of metastatic malignant melanoma in FNAC material is essential to avoid an unnecessary mastectomy and to ensure appropriate chemotherapy. We experienced a case of metastatic melanoma of breast which presented as solitary breast mass in a 56-year-old woman. She had a history of surgical excision of right foot for melanoma one year ago. The cytologic smears were composed of noncohesive epithelioid cells with round or eccentric nuclei, bi-or multi-nucleation, prominent nucleoli, fine chromatin, and intranuclear inclusions. The cytoplasm of tumor cells had scanty melanin pigment but were diffusely positive for S-100 protein.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytoloy of Poorly Differentiated "Insular" Carcinoma of the Thyroid: A Case Report.: Hee Jung Lee, Kyung Shin Park, Young Shin Kim, Kyo Young Lee, Chang Suck Kang, Sang In Shim; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):117-122.

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Abstract PDF: Cytologic features of a poorly differentiated "insular" carcinoma of the thyroid are presented. In fine needle aspiration cytology, the aspirates were highly cellular and tumor cells were arranged in loose clusters or singly dispersed on focally necrotic background. Occasional microfollicles were evident. The tumor cells had poorly defined, scanty cytoplasm and most of the nuclei were fairly uniform with coarse chromatin pattern. A few large pleomorphic cells were also noted. The cytologic findings of the present case were correlated well with the histologic findings, which showed typical insular pattern and the presence of uniform cells with occasional pleomorphism.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Myositis Ossificans: A Case Report.: Dong Won Kim, Dong Wha Lee; Korean J Cytopathol. 1998;9(1):123-128.

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Abstract PDF: The aspiration cytologic finding of myositis ossificans is not well documented but similar to that seen in nodular fasciitis except less cellularity. Myositis ossificans is a reactive condition that is sometimes mistaken microscopically for extraosseous osteosarcoma. Cytologically, myositis ossificans may be distinguished from extraosseous osteosarcoma by the presence of uniform benign stromal cells composed of mature fibroblasts and osteoclastic giant cells. However, the differential diagnosis may be difficult in the early stage of this reactive and proliferative process. We recently experienced a case of myositis ossificans. The patient was a 67-year-old woman with painful swelling of the left index finger for one month. Simple x-ray finding showed a soft tissue mass with calcific center at middle phalanx of the left hand. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed a few individual or clusters of spindle cells in dense eosinophilic stroma with osteoclastic giant cells. The spindle cells were uniform, smooth-bordered, and oval nuclei with single small inconspicuous nucleoli, and elongated cytoplasm. The scattered individual cells had eccentric nuclei with one or two nucleoli and abundant, basophilic cytoplasm.

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