Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine

Case Reports

Cytologic diagnosis of a chordoma without physaliferous cells: A case report.: Yun Hee Jin, Chan Kum Park, Won Mi Lee, Moon Hyang Park; Korean J Cytopathol. 2001;12(2):131-134.

Abstract PDF: Cytologic features of conventional chordoma have been described and most reports emphasize the presence of large cells with numerous well defined cytoplasmic vacuoles or physaliferous cells. We report fine needle aspiration cytologic (FNAC) findings of a case of chordoma without physaliferous cells. The smear was cellular and composed of large cohesive clusters or individually scattered cells in mucinous background. The round or cuboidal cells had centrally located nuclei with fine granular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and occasional vacuolated cytoplasm. Mild to moderate pleomorphism was noted. Physaliferous cells are extremely helpful when present in cytologic material, but they are not necessary for diagnosis. Thus clinical history, roentgenographic appearance, and exact location of the lesion are required for the successful interpretation of presacral aspirates together with cytologic findings.

Cytologic Findings of Chordoma in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.: Han Suk Ryu, Min Suk Kim, Hwa Jung Ha, Jung Soon Kim, Myung Soon Shin, Sunhoo Park, Jin Haeng Chung, Jae Soo Koh, Seung Sook Lee; Korean J Cytopathol. 2004;15(1):45-51.

Abstract PDF: It is important to recognize the pathognomonic cytologic findings of chordoma, because of overlapping cytologic features between chordoma, chondrosarcoma, myxofibrillary ependymoma, and metastatic adenocarcinoma. We reviewed the cytomorphologic features of 5 cases of chordoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology at Korean Cancer Center Hospital from 1987 to 2003. Clinical and radiographic findings of each case were reviewed. Four males and one female (29-54 years) had tumors involving the sacrum. Pain was the presenting symptom in 4 cases. The three cases showed moderate to high cellularity. In all cases, typical physaliferous cells with or without cytoplasmic processes were noted. In two cases, the background was myxoid with single scattered cells. Cell clusters showing cord-like arrangement were occasionally seen. The single or clustered cells showed mild cellular pleomorphism with slightly increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio. Mitotic figures were not seen. In our review, the recognition of physaliferous cells is the most important feature to diagnose chordoma and to differentiate it from other lesions mimicking chordoma.

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