Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Most-download articles are from the articles published in 2023 during the last three month.

Review

A stepwise approach to fine needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes: Yosep Chong, Gyeongsin Park, Hee Jeong Cha, Hyun-Jung Kim, Chang Suk Kang, Jamshid Abdul-Ghafar, Seung-Sook Lee; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(4):196-207. Published online July 11, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2023.06.12

33,215 View
1,951 Download
9 Web of Science
8 Crossref

The cytological diagnosis of lymph node lesions is extremely challenging because of the diverse diseases that cause lymph node enlargement, including both benign and malignant or metastatic lymphoid lesions. Furthermore, the cytological findings of different lesions often resemble one another. A stepwise diagnostic approach is essential for a comprehensive diagnosis that combines: clinical findings, including age, sex, site, multiplicity, and ultrasonography findings; low-power reactive, metastatic, and lymphoma patterns; high-power population patterns, including two populations of continuous range, small monotonous pattern and large monotonous pattern; and disease-specific diagnostic clues including granulomas and lymphoglandular granules. It is also important to remember the histological features of each diagnostic category that are common in lymph node cytology and to compare them with cytological findings. It is also essential to identify a few categories of diagnostic pitfalls that often resemble lymphomas and easily lead to misdiagnosis, particularly in malignant small round cell tumors, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, and nasopharyngeal undifferentiated carcinoma. Herein, we review a stepwise approach for fine needle aspiration cytology of lymphoid diseases and suggest a diagnostic algorithm that uses this approach and the Sydney classification system.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development and Validation of Explainable Artificial Intelligence System for Automatic Diagnosis of Cervical Lymphadenopathy From Ultrasound Images
Ming Xu, Yubiao Yue, Zhenzhang Li, Yinhong Li, Guoying Li, Haihua Liang, Di Liu, Xiaohong Xu, Mohamadreza (Mohammad) Khosravi
International Journal of Intelligent Systems.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Immunocytochemical markers, molecular testing and digital cytopathology for aspiration cytology of metastatic breast carcinoma
Joshua J. X. Li, Gary M. Tse
Cytopathology.2024; 35(2): 218. CrossRef
Response to comment on “A stepwise approach to fine needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes”
Yosep Chong, Gyeongsin Park, Hee Jeong Cha, Hyun-Jung Kim, Chang Suk Kang, Jamshid Abdul-Ghafar, Seung-Sook Lee
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2024; 58(1): 43. CrossRef
Comment on “A stepwise approach to fine needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes”
Elisabetta Maffei, Valeria Ciliberti, Pio Zeppa, Alessandro Caputo
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2024; 58(1): 40. CrossRef
The Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Bethesda III Thyroid Nodules: A Retrospective Analysis at a Single Endocrine Surgery Center
Iyad Hassan, Lina Hassan, Nahed Balalaa, Mohamad Askar, Hussa Alshehhi, Mohamad Almarzooqi
Diagnostics.2024; 14(10): 1026. CrossRef
Efficiency of Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) in Relation to Tru-Cut Biopsy of Lateral Neck Swellings
Mohammed S Al Olaimat, Fahad S Al Qooz, Zaid R Alzoubi, Elham M Alsharaiah, Ali S Al Murdif, Mohammad O Alanazi
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Pitfalls in the Cytological Diagnosis of Nodal Hodgkin Lymphoma
Uma Handa, Rasheeda Mohamedali, Rajpal Singh Punia, Simrandeep Singh, Ranjeev Bhagat, Phiza Aggarwal, Manveen Kaur
Diagnostic Cytopathology.2024; 52(12): 715. CrossRef
Rapid 3D imaging at cellular resolution for digital cytopathology with a multi-camera array scanner (MCAS)
Kanghyun Kim, Amey Chaware, Clare B. Cook, Shiqi Xu, Monica Abdelmalak, Colin Cooke, Kevin C. Zhou, Mark Harfouche, Paul Reamey, Veton Saliu, Jed Doman, Clay Dugo, Gregor Horstmeyer, Richard Davis, Ian Taylor-Cho, Wen-Chi Foo, Lucas Kreiss, Xiaoyin Sara J
npj Imaging.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Newsletters

What’s new in neuropathology 2024: CNS WHO 5th edition updates: Heather Smith, Jared T. Ahrendsen; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(6):346-349. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.09.11

7,640 View
818 Download
4 Web of Science
4 Crossref

Abstract PDF

The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors was released in 2021, just five years following the updated fourth edition. Advanced molecular testing such as next-generation sequencing, RNA fusion analysis, and DNA methylation profiling has led to more precise grading and classification of pre-existing tumor types as well as the recognition of new ones. Herein, we outline the major updates of the 2021 WHO Classification of CNS tumors, with emphasis on the expanded molecular characterization of CNS tumors.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Bioinformatics insights into ACSL1 and ACSL5: prognostic and immune roles in low-grade glioma
Cheng Zhang, Zhonghua Lv, Hongsheng Liang, Fulan Hu, Haoran Bi
BMC Cancer.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Current Understanding of the Exosomes and Their Associated Biomolecules in the Glioblastoma Biology, Clinical Treatment, and Diagnosis
Aghdas Ramezani, Maryam Rahnama, Fatemeh Mahmoudian, Fatemeh Shirazi, Mahmoud Ganji, Shohreh Bakhshi, Bahman Khalesi, Zahra Sadat Hashemi, Saeed Khalili
Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Diagnostic Utility of Intratumoral Susceptibility Signals in Adult Diffuse Gliomas: Tumor Grade Prediction and Correlation with Molecular Markers Within the WHO CNS5 (2021) Classification
José Ignacio Tudela Martínez, Victoria Vázquez Sáez, Guillermo Carbonell, Héctor Rodrigo Lara, Florentina Guzmán-Aroca, Juan de Dios Berna Mestre
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(11): 4004. CrossRef
Glioblastoma in Puerto Rico: A 21-year population-based study
Carlos E Calderon-Valero, Esteban Rivera, Odaly Balasquide, Alejandro E Cedeño-Moran, Aixa De Jesus, Miguel Mayol Del Valle
Neuro-Oncology Advances.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

What’s new in thyroid pathology 2024: updates from the new WHO classification and Bethesda system: Andrey Bychkov, Chan Kwon Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(2):98-101. Published online March 13, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.03.06

14,390 View
1,622 Download
5 Crossref

Abstract PDF

In line with the release of the 5th edition WHO Classification of Tumors of Endocrine Organs (2022) and the 3rd edition of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (2023), the field of thyroid pathology and cytopathology has witnessed key transformations. This digest brings to the fore the refined terminologies, newly introduced categories, and contentious methodological considerations pivotal to the updated classification.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Cytologic and Clinicopathologic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Prominent Hobnail Features on FNAC
Deepali Saxena, Ravi Hari Phulware, Prashant Durgapal, Arvind Kumar, Amit Kumar Tyagi
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery.2024; 76(5): 4885. CrossRef
FHL1: A novel diagnostic marker for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Yeting Zeng, Dehua Zeng, Xingfeng Qi, Hanxi Wang, Xuzhou Wang, Xiaodong Dai, Lijuan Qu
Pathology International.2024; 74(9): 520. CrossRef
Nouveautés en pathologie thyroïdienne : classification OMS 2022, système Bethesda 2023, biologie moléculaire et testing moléculaire
Mohamed Amine Bani, Sophie Moog, Voichita Suciu, Livia Lamartina, Abir Al Ghuzlan
Bulletin du Cancer.2024; 111(10): 10S5. CrossRef
Cytologic hallmarks and differential diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma subtypes
Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Chan Kwon Jung
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2024; 58(6): 265. CrossRef
Surgical and Pathological Challenges in Thyroidectomy after Thermal Ablation of Thyroid Nodules
Ting-Chun Kuo, Kuen-Yuan Chen, Hsiang-Wei Hu, Jie-Yang Jhuang, Ming-Tsan Lin, Chin-Hao Chang, Ming-Hsun Wu
Thyroid®.2024; 34(12): 1503. CrossRef

What’s new in medical renal pathology 2025: Updates on podocytopathy and immunofluorescence staining in medical kidney: Astrid Weins, Ibrahim Batal, Paola Romagnani, Geetika Singh, Rahul Raj, Nicole Andeen, Jonathan Zuckerman, Martina Uzzo, Mariam Priya Alexander, Anjali Satoskar; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):269-272. Published online July 10, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.06.19

1,052 View
134 Download

Abstract PDF: Diffuse podocytopathy, including minimal change disease and primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults and children. It is increasingly recognized to be autoimmune-mediated associated with anti-nephrin and other emerging anti-slit diaphragm antibodies, and can recur in the kidney allograft. Immunofluorescence is routinely used in evaluation of kidney biopsies, and updates include those on fibrillar diseases, monoclonal staining, lupus-like staining, and use of antibody KM55 in IgA-dominant glomerulonephritis.

Review Articles

Multiple sclerosis: a practical review for pathologists: Rachel A. Multz, Pouya Jamshidi, Jared T. Ahrendsen; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):203-213. Published online June 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.05.20

1,560 View
134 Download

Abstract PDF: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. It is a chronic disorder resulting in neurologic dysfunction that is disseminated both in time (multiple discrete episodes) and space (involving multiple sites). Histologically, MS is characterized by localized loss of myelin with relative preservation of axons. This review will discuss the epidemiology, clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic features of multiple sclerosis, as well as briefly touch on the differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the disease, especially as they relate to the pathologic interpretation of tissue specimens.

Recent topics on thyroid cytopathology: reporting systems and ancillary studies: Mitsuyoshi Hirokawa, Ayana Suzuki; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):214-224. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.04.18

807 View
109 Download

Abstract PDF: As fine-needle aspiration techniques and diagnostic methodologies for thyroid nodules have continued to evolve and reporting systems have been updated accordingly, we need to be up to date with the latest information to achieve accurate diagnoses. However, the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for thyroid nodules vary across laboratories and institutions. Several differences exist between Western and Eastern practices regarding thyroid fine-needle aspiration. This review describes the reporting systems for thyroid cytopathology and ancillary studies. Updated reporting systems enhance the accuracy, consistency, and clarity of cytology reporting, leading to improved patient outcomes and management strategies. Although a single global reporting system is optimal, reporting systems tailored to each country is acceptable. In such cases, compatibility must be ensured to facilitate data sharing. Ancillary methods include liquid-based cytology, immunocytochemistry, biochemical measurements, flow cytometry, molecular testing, and artificial intelligence, all of which improve diagnostic accuracy. These methods continue to evolve, and cytopathologists should actively adopt the latest methods and information to achieve more accurate diagnoses. We believe this review will be useful to practitioners of routine thyroid cytology.

Review

A standardized pathology report for gastric cancer: 2nd edition: Young Soo Park, Myeong-Cherl Kook, Baek-hui Kim, Hye Seung Lee, Dong-Wook Kang, Mi-Jin Gu, Ok Ran Shin, Younghee Choi, Wonae Lee, Hyunki Kim, In Hye Song, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Hee Sung Kim, Guhyun Kang, Do Youn Park, So-Young Jin, Joon Mee Kim, Yoon Jung Choi, Hee Kyung Chang, Soomin Ahn, Mee Soo Chang, Song-Hee Han, Yoonjin Kwak, An Na Seo, Sung Hak Lee, Mee-Yon Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2023;57(1):1-27. Published online January 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2022.12.23

20,743 View
1,338 Download
17 Web of Science
14 Crossref

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

The first edition of ‘A Standardized Pathology Report for Gastric Cancer’ was initiated by the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists and published 17 years ago. Since then, significant advances have been made in the pathologic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and management of gastric cancer (GC). To reflect those changes, a committee for publishing a second edition of the report was formed within the Gastrointestinal Pathology Study Group of the Korean Society of Pathologists. This second edition consists of two parts: standard data elements and conditional data elements. The standard data elements contain the basic pathologic findings and items necessary to predict the prognosis of GC patients, and they are adequate for routine surgical pathology service. Other diagnostic and prognostic factors relevant to adjuvant therapy, including molecular biomarkers, are classified as conditional data elements to allow each pathologist to selectively choose items appropriate to the environment in their institution. We trust that the standardized pathology report will be helpful for GC diagnosis and facilitate large-scale multidisciplinary collaborative studies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Spatial and Temporal Tumor Heterogeneity in Gastric Cancer: Discordance of Predictive Biomarkers
Hye Seung Lee
Journal of Gastric Cancer.2025; 25(1): 192. CrossRef
PD-L1 as a Biomarker in Gastric Cancer Immunotherapy
Yunjoo Cho, Soomin Ahn, Kyoung-Mee Kim
Journal of Gastric Cancer.2025; 25(1): 177. CrossRef
Korean Gastric Cancer Association-Led Nationwide Survey on Surgically Treated Gastric Cancers in 2023
Dong Jin Kim, Jeong Ho Song, Ji-Hyeon Park, Sojung Kim, Sin Hye Park, Cheol Min Shin, Yoonjin Kwak, Kyunghye Bang, Chung-sik Gong, Sung Eun Oh, Yoo Min Kim, Young Suk Park, Jeesun Kim, Ji Eun Jung, Mi Ran Jung, Bang Wool Eom, Ki Bum Park, Jae Hun Chung, S
Journal of Gastric Cancer.2025; 25(1): 115. CrossRef
A Comprehensive and Comparative Review of Global Gastric Cancer Treatment Guidelines: 2024 Update
Sang Soo Eom, Keun Won Ryu, Hye Sook Han, Seong-Ho Kong
Journal of Gastric Cancer.2025; 25(1): 153. CrossRef
Korea, Japan, Europe, and the United States: Why are guidelines for gastric cancer different?
Emily E. Stroobant, Seong-Ho Kong, Maria Bencivenga, Takahiro Kinoshita, Tae-Han Kim, Takeshi Sano, Giovanni de Manzoni, Han-Kwang Yang, Yuko Kitagawa, Vivian E. Strong
Gastric Cancer.2025; 28(4): 559. CrossRef
Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization of Gastric Cancer with Bone Metastasis
Sujin Oh, Soo Kyung Nam, Keun-Wook Lee, Hye Seung Lee, Yujun Park, Yoonjin Kwak, Kyu Sang Lee, Ji-Won Kim, Jin Won Kim, Minsu Kang, Young Suk Park, Sang-Hoon Ahn, Yun-Suhk Suh, Do Joong Park, Hyung Ho Kim
Cancer Research and Treatment.2024; 56(1): 219. CrossRef
Microscopic tumor mapping of post-neoadjuvant therapy pancreatic cancer specimens to predict post-surgical recurrence: A prospective cohort study
Yeshong Park, Yeon Bi Han, Jinju Kim, MeeYoung Kang, Boram Lee, Eun Sung Ahn, Saemi Han, Haeryoung Kim, Hee-Young Na, Ho-Seong Han, Yoo-Seok Yoon
Pancreatology.2024; 24(4): 562. CrossRef
Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Resectable Gastric Cancer: Analysis from a Western Academic Center
Elliott J. Yee, Danielle Gilbert, Jeffrey Kaplan, Sachin Wani, Sunnie S. Kim, Martin D. McCarter, Camille L. Stewart
Cancers.2024; 16(7): 1428. CrossRef
Interpretation of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer: summary of a consensus meeting of Korean gastrointestinal pathologists
Soomin Ahn, Yoonjin Kwak, Gui Young Kwon, Kyoung-Mee Kim, Moonsik Kim, Hyunki Kim, Young Soo Park, Hyeon Jeong Oh, Kyoungyul Lee, Sung Hak Lee, Hye Seung Lee
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine.2024; 58(3): 103. CrossRef
Expression of claudin 18.2 in poorly cohesive carcinoma and its association with clinicopathologic parameters in East Asian patients
Moonsik Kim, Byung Woog Kang, Jihyun Park, Jin Ho Baek, Jong Gwang Kim
Pathology - Research and Practice.2024; 263: 155628. CrossRef
Clinicopathological analysis of claudin 18.2 focusing on intratumoral heterogeneity and survival in patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric cancer
T.-Y. Kim, Y. Kwak, S.K. Nam, D. Han, D.-Y. Oh, S.-A. Im, H.S. Lee
ESMO Open.2024; 9(12): 104000. CrossRef
Pathological Interpretation of Gastric Tumors in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Jung Yeon Kim
Journal of Digestive Cancer Research.2023; 11(1): 15. CrossRef
Histopathology of Gastric Cancer
Baek-hui Kim, Sung Hak Lee
The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research.2023; 23(2): 143. CrossRef
Endoscopic submucosal dissection hands-on training with artificial mucosal layer EndoGEL
Tae-Se Kim, Jun Haeng Lee
Journal of Innovative Medical Technology.2023; 1(1): 5. CrossRef

Original Articles

Diagnostic yield of fine needle aspiration with simultaneous core needle biopsy for thyroid nodules: Mohammad Ali Hasannia, Ramin Pourghorban, Hoda Asefi, Amir Aria, Elham Nazar, Hojat Ebrahiminik, Alireza Mohamadian; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(3):180-187. Published online April 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.03.04

2,407 View
165 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a widely utilized technique for assessing thyroid nodules; however, its inherent non-diagnostic rate poses diagnostic challenges. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficacy of FNA, core needle biopsy (CNB), and their combined application in the assessment of thyroid nodules.
Methods
A total of 56 nodules from 50 patients was analyzed using both FNA and simultaneous CNB. The ultrasound characteristics were categorized according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems classification system. The study compared the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNA, CNB, and the combination of the two techniques.
Results
The concordance between FNA and CNB was notably high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.837. The sensitivity for detecting thyroid malignancy was found to be 25.0% for FNA, 66.7% for CNB, and 83.3% for the combined FNA/CNB approach, with corresponding specificities of 84.6%, 97.4%, and 97.4%. The accuracy of the FNA/CNB combination was the highest at 94.1%.
Conclusions
The findings of this study indicate that both CNB and the FNA/CNB combination offer greater diagnostic accuracy for thyroid malignancy compared to FNA alone, with no significant complications reported. Integrating CNB with FNA findings may enhance management strategies and treatment outcomes for patients with thyroid nodules.

Lessons learned from the first 2 years of experience with thyroid core needle biopsy at an Indonesian national referral hospital: Agnes Stephanie Harahap, Maria Francisca Ham, Retno Asti Werdhani, Erwin Danil Julian, Rafi Ilmansyah, Chloe Indira Arfelita Mangunkusumso, Tri Juli Edi Tarigan; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(3):149-160. Published online April 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.02.19

1,701 View
160 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Core needle biopsy (CNB) improves diagnostic accuracy by providing precise tissue sampling for histopathological evaluation, overcoming the limitation of inconclusive fine-needle aspiration results. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of CNB in assessing thyroid nodules, with additional analysis of the benefits of BRAF V600E and RAS Q61R immunohistochemical (IHC) markers.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled patients with thyroid nodules who underwent CNB at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from July 2022 to July 2024. CNB diagnoses were classified using the Korean Thyroid Association Criteria. Diagnostic efficacy was evaluated for neoplastic and malignant lesions, both independently and with BRAF V600E and RAS Q61R IHC. The correlation between nodule size and postoperative diagnosis was also analyzed.
Results
A total of 338 thyroid nodule samples was included, and 52.7% were classified as CNB category II. In the 104 samples with postoperative diagnoses, category IV was the most prevalent (39.4%). CNB demonstrated a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 100% for neoplastic lesions and 23.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity for malignant lesions. Combining CNB with BRAF V600E and RAS Q1R IHC increased the sensitivity to 77% for neoplastic lesions and 28.8% for malignant lesions. Larger nodules (>3 cm) were significantly associated with neoplastic (p = .005) and malignant lesions (p = .004).
Conclusions
CNB performs well in identifying neoplastic lesions, with or without BRAF V600E and RAS Q61R IHC, but its low sensitivity for malignant lesions warrants caution. While CNB categories V–VI indicate malignancy, the possibility of malignancy in categories I–IV should not be overlooked.

AMACR is a highly sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for diagnosing prostate cancer on biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Johannes Cansius Prihadi, Stevan Kristian Lionardi, Nicolas Daniel Widjanarko, Steven Alvianto, Fransiskus Xaverius Rinaldi, Archie Fontana Iskandar; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):235-248. Published online July 3, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.04.16

1,067 View
79 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) is the preferred biomarker for distinguishing malignant from benign glands in prostate biopsies, showing high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer. A meta-analysis of immunohistochemistry (IHC) for AMACR is essential to further assess its diagnostic accuracy across diverse sample sources. Methods: A systematic search of databases including MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was performed, focusing on studies of AMACR to diagnose prostate cancer, particularly in biopsy samples analyzed through IHC over the last 20 years. Quality of studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool, followed by a meta-analysis of regions and subgroups to calculate summary estimates of diagnostic test accuracy. Results: In the final analysis, 37 studies, with a pooled size of 5,898 samples, were included from the examination of 94 full-text papers. Among them, 27 studies with similar sample sources and testing methodologies underwent meta-analysis, yielding a combined sensitivity estimate of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 0.93) and specificity of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.95), both with significant heterogeneity (p < .01). The region beneath the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93 to 0.97), positive likelihood ratio was 9.6 (95% CI, 5.3 to 17.4), negative likelihood ratio was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.08 to 0.15), and diagnostic odds ratio was 88 (95% CI, 42 to 181). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis findings substantiate AMACR as a highly accurate tool for diagnosing prostate cancer, specifically in biopsy samples, via immunohistochemical staining. Further studies involving diverse samples are needed to enhance our understanding of the AMACR diagnostic accuracy in a range of clinical settings.

Pancreatic cancer in liquid-based cytology: cytological features and cell block utility from 254 fine-needle aspiration samples: Jaeyong Min, Wookjin Oh, Baek-hui Kim; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):249-261. Published online July 3, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.05.27

633 View
77 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Despite the increasing use of liquid-based cytology (LBC) for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, relatively few studies have directly examined such research. This study analyzed the cytopathological features of pancreatic cancer in LBC and demonstrated the utility of cell blocks in diagnosing pancreatic lesions. Methods: A retrospective review identified LBC from 254 pancreatic fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) (221 patients). FNAs were categorized into five subgroups based on cytopathological, clinical, and histopathological findings. Two pathologists evaluated cytological features in LBC samples, cell blocks, and tissue slides. Comparative analysis assessed differences between groups. Results: Compared to benign lesions, LBC of pancreatic cancer more frequently showed a necrotic background, intermediate to high cellularity, mixed architecture, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio >0.8, anisonucleosis >4:1, irregular and thick nuclear membranes, multinucleated tumor cells, hyperchromatic nuclei, coarse to clumped chromatin, and a prominent single nucleolus. In cases of conventional pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the palliative treatment subgroup showed a higher incidence of necrotic background than the resection subgroup. In the cell block analysis, tumor cells not identified in LBC slides were detected in 16 FNAs. Additionally, 13 FNAs contributed to differential diagnosis: ancillary tests aided diagnosis in 12 FNAs, while histopathological evaluation of the cell block slide alone was helpful in one case. Conclusions: The cytological features of pancreatic cancer in LBC are similar to those observed in conventional smears, with a necrotic background suggesting advanced (unresectable) disease. The cell block methodology minimizes tumor cell loss and facilitates differential diagnosis by enabling ancillary testing.

Case Study

Acquired aberrant partial CD3 expression in recurrent Epstein-Barr virus–negative solitary plasmacytoma of tonsil: Chenchen Niu, Dong Ren, Truc Tran, Ashley Gamayo, Sherif Rezk, Xiaohui Zhao; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(4):262-268. Published online May 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.04.17

843 View
74 Download

Abstract PDF: The aberrant expression of specific T-cell maker CD3 in B-cell neoplasms can be a potential diagnostic pitfall leading to a misclassification of cell lineage. Here, we report a case of recurrent solitary plasmacytoma with new aberrant expression of CD3. The neoplastic plasma cells of the recurrent tumor were kappa restricted, positive for CD138, MUM1, negative for CD20, cyclin D1, and Epstein-Barr virus. CD79a was positive in majority of the tumor cells, except for a small focus which was strongly positive for CD3, but negative for other T-cell markers (CD2, CD5, CD7, CD4, and CD8) and CD56. The neoplastic plasma cells of the original tumor were negative for CD3. To the best of our knowledge, only one case of recurrent plasmacytoma with aberrant expression of CD3 has been published, which revealed disease progression in the recurrence. However, we did not observe morphologic evidence of disease progression in our case.

Original Articles

Primary Merkel cell carcinoma of the salivary gland: a clinicopathologic study of four cases with a review of literature: Gyuheon Choi, Joon Seon Song, Hee Jin Lee, Gi Hwan Kim, Young Ho Jung, Yoon Se Lee, Kyung-Ja Cho; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(3):171-179. Published online April 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.03.25

1,389 View
127 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
Primary Merkel cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is currently not listed in the World Health Organization classification. However, cases of Merkel cell type neuroendocrine carcinomas of the salivary gland with perinuclear cytokeratin 20 positivity have been intermittently reported. We here investigated the clinicopathologic features of additional cases.
Methods
Data of four cases of Merkel cell type small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the salivary gland were retrieved. To confirm the tumors’ primary nature, clinical records and pathologic materials were reviewed. Optimal immunohistochemical staining was performed to support the diagnosis.
Results
All tumors were located in the parotid gland. Possibilities of metastasis were excluded in all cases through a meticulous clinicopathological review. Tumor histology was consistent with the diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Tumors’ immunohistochemical phenotypes were consistent with Merkel cell carcinoma, including Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen positivity in two of the four cases.
Conclusions
Merkel cell carcinomas can originate in salivary glands and are partly associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus infection as in cutaneous Merkel cell carcinomas.

International Academy of Cytology standardized reporting of breast fine-needle aspiration cytology with cyto-histopathological correlation of breast carcinoma: Shweta Pai; J Pathol Transl Med. 2024;58(5):241-248. Published online September 13, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2024.07.14

2,823 View
287 Download

Abstract PDF: Background
The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) has developed a standardized approach for reporting the findings of breast fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Accordingly, there are five chief categories of breast lesions, C1 (insufficient material), C2 (benign), C3 (atypical), C4 (suspicious), and C5 (malignant). The prognostication and management of breast carcinoma can be performed readily on the basis of this classification system. The aim of this study was to classify various breast lesions into one of the above-named categories and to further grade the C5 lesions specifically using the Robinson system. The latter grades were then correlated with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson (SBR) grades.
Methods
This retrospective study was undertaken in the pathology department of a hospital located in the urban part of the city of Bangalore. All FNAC procedures performed on breast lumps spanning the year 2020 were included in the study.
Results
A total of 205 breast lesions was classified according to the IAC guidelines into C1 (6 cases, 2.9%), C2 (151 cases, 73.7%), C3 (13 cases, 6.3%), C4 (5 cases, 2.5%), and C5 (30 cases, 14.6%) groups. The C5 cases were further graded using Robinson’s system. The latter showed a significant correlation with the SBR system (concordance=83.3%, Spearman correlation=0.746, Kendall’s tau-b=0.736, kappa=0.661, standard error=0.095, p≤.001).
Conclusions
A standardized approach for FNAC reporting of breast lesions, as advocated for by the IAC, improves the quality and clarity of the reports and assures diagnostic reproducibility on a global scale. Further, the cytological grading of C5 lesions provides reliable cyto-prognostic scores that can help assess a tumor’s aggressiveness and predict its histological grade.

Case Study

Histopathological characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)–associated encephalitis and colitis in chronic active EBV infection: Betty A Kasimo, James J Yahaya, Sun Och Yoon, Se Hoon Kim, Minsun Jung; J Pathol Transl Med. 2025;59(3):188-194. Published online April 16, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2025.02.21

1,639 View
140 Download

Abstract PDF: Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV) can induce complications in various organs, including the brain and gastrointestinal tract. A 3-year-old boy was referred to the hospital with a history of fever and seizures for 15 days. A diagnosis of encephalitis based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical correlation was made. Laboratory tests showed positive serology for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and negative for Rotavirus antigen and IgG and IgM antibodies for cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and varicella zoster virus, respectively. Abdominal CT showed diffuse wall thickening with fluid distension of small bowel loops, lower abdomen wall thickening, and a small amount of ascites. The biopsy demonstrated positive Epstein-Barr encoding region in situ hybridization in cells within the crypts and lamina propria. The patient was managed with steroids and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This case showed histopathological characteristics of concurrent EBV-associated encephalitis and colitis in CAEBV infection. The three-step strategy of immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy, and allogeneic HSCT should be always be considered for prevention of disease progression.

First
Prev
Page of 8
Next
Last

Most downloaded