Pelvic washing cytology of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig-cell tumor with retiform pattern: a case report

A Sertoli-Leydig-cell tumor is an exceptionally rare neoplasm. We present the pelvic washing cytomorphology of an ovarian Sertoli-Leydig-cell tumor with a retiform pattern in a 24-yr-old female. The cytologic features in this case were tight tissue fragments composed of small, relatively uniform cells with scanty cytoplasm and small rounded or blunt papillary fragments with hyalinized cores lined with small, mildly atypical cuboidal cells. Differential diagnoses included borderline and well-differentiated papillary serous tumors, clear-cell carcinoma, and collagen balls. Correlation of cytologic findings with histomorphology is crucial for correct interpretation of pelvic washings in cases of Sertoli-Leydig-cell tumors.     

Clear-cell adenocarcinoma of the female genital tract: presence of hyaline stroma and tigroid background in various types of cytologic specimens

Hyaline basement membrane-like stromal material and tigroid background are distinctive cytologic features observed in Diff-Quik (DQ)- or Giemsa-stained smears of clear-cell adenocarcinoma (CCA) of the female genital tract. However, it is uncertain how often these features are present in different types of cytologic specimens, and which type of preparation is optimal for this diagnosis. We therefore reviewed the cytologic features of CCA in three types of specimens, including 15 scrape cytology specimens, 7 fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, and 15 peritoneal cytology specimens, with emphasis on the features observed in DQ-stained smears. The cell morphology in scrape cytology specimens and FNA specimens was comparable, whereas in peritoneal cytology specimens, the cytoplasm was better preserved. Most tumor cells had fragile cytoplasm containing variable amounts of fine vacuoles, and round nuclei with distinct or prominent nucleoli. Hyaline stroma was present in 93% of scrape cytology specimens, 71% of FNA specimens, and 80% of peritoneal cytology specimens. Tigroid background was observed in 47% of scrape cytology specimens, 43% of FNA specimens, but in none of the peritoneal cytology specimens. Formation of a tigroid background may be prevented by the abundant fluid content in peritoneal cytology specimens. Hyaline stroma and tigroid background were uncommonly seen in scrape smears from other types of primary ovarian tumors, mainly juvenile granulosa cell tumor and yolk sac tumor. However, the additional presence of papillary structures allows CCA to be readily distinguished from these other tumors. We propose that scrape cytology offers the best approach for the intraoperative cytologic diagnosis of CCA.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

The histopathologic features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) have been well described. There have been limited studies on the cytologic features of MPNST. In this present study, we have retrospectively reviewed eight histopathology confirmed cases of MPNST over a 5-year period. Detailed cytomorphological analysis of these cases was carried out individually by two observers. On cytology, these cases were diagnosed as benign spindle-cell tumor (two), spindle-cell tumor possibly benign (one), spindle-cell tumor possibly malignant (one), malignant spindle-cell tumor (two), spindle-cell tumor, and neural origin (two). The cardinal cytomorphologic features were loosely cohesive clusters and fascicular arrangement of spindle cells with rounded ends. The kinking of nuclei was not a conspicuous finding. Fibrillary background was noted in two of the cases. Nuclear pleomorphism was ranged from mild to moderate degree. One case exhibited extensive intranuclear pseudoinclusions. Mitotic figures (including atypical forms) were present in almost all the cases. Possibly a constellation of cytologic features such as clusters of short and long fascicles of cells admixed with dissociated spindle cells of round-ended nuclei and prominent nucleoli on myxoid or fibrillary background and frequent mitosis may be helpful in diagnosis of MPNSTs. The cytomorphologic features along with clinical correlation are necessary to increase the diagnostic accuracy of MPNST on aspiration cytology.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration diagnosis of metastatic sex cord tumor with annular tubules: a case report

The cytologic findings of a paratracheal metastasis from a malignant sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTATs) diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration are described. Cytologic features of SCTATs include the presence of highly cellular aspirates forming simple and complex rosette-like structures around central rounded hyaline material, small nucleoli, and prominent nuclear grooves. These cytologic findings are clearly distinct from the poorly formed rosette-like structures of granulosa-cell tumors and are reminiscent of the low-power appearance of the cribriform variant of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The fine needle aspiration cytologic features of only two other cases have been previously described and, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the cytologic diagnosis of a distant metastasis of a SCTATs by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. In this case, the distinctive and characteristic cytologic features have allowed the proper diagnosis of a distant metastasis of SCTATs.     

Comparative cytologic features of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma and islet cell tumor

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) and islet cell tumor (ICT), both rare pancreatic neoplasms, can be diagnosed accurately and rapidly with the use of imaging-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies. The specific cytologic features of these tumors are described in a series of 17 patients, and histologic and immunocytochemical correlations are discussed. Important cytologic findings in ACC are loosely cohesive clusters with cells having uniform nuclei and prominent nucleoli, cytoplasm is finely granular and eosinophilic. Islet cell tumors show many single cells, occasional rosettes, uniform nuclei, sometimes binucleate, dense basophilic cytoplasm. Chromogranin is often positive (80%) in ICT. Trypsin and chymotrypsin were often positive (71%) in ACC. Histology was confirmatory in all cytology cases. The recognition of cytologic features in conjunction with immunocytochemical studies can increase the diagnostic sensitivity for these two rare tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:112–116, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Metastatic granular cell tumor to the breast diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology: A case report with review of the literature

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are mesenchymal neoplasms of Schwann cell/neural origin. Malignant granular cell tumors (MGCTs) represent <1‐2% of all GCT and defined as tumors demonstrating metastases or destructive local growth. Other clinical parameters suggestive of malignancy include rapid growth, size > 4 cm and necrosis. An apparently inconsistent set of histological features have been described in MGCT. Although the histologic parameters of a GCT are not always predictive of biologic behavior, the presence of atypical features may be indicative of an aggressive clinical behavior (recurrence and metastases). A preoperative estimate of features suggestive of malignancy is important for treatment and prognostication. Diagnosis and prognostication from preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is hampered by the fact that only a few case reports on cytologic features of malignant GCT have been published. We report a case of metastatic MGCT to breast and compare cytologic features to that of primary breast GCT and apocrine/histiocytoid variants of breast carcinoma.     

Cytologic characteristics of peripheral neuroectodermal tumors in fine-needle aspiration smears: A retrospective study of three pediatric cases

Cytologic diagnosis of peripheral neuroectodermal tumors (PNT) on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears represents a challenge to the cytopathologist. Usually ancillary studies are used to achieve definitive diagnosis. We retrospectively examined FNA material from three cases of PNT with the aim of identifying their features. Positive and negative cytologic findings were recognized. Positive features for PNT included the presence of: rather uniform appearance of the cells, which display scant but almost always-present perinuclear clear cytoplasm (suggesting a bland epithelial tumor); nuclei with distinctively smooth nuclear membrane contour, finely granular chromatin, and one or two small nucleoli (suggesting neuroendocrine anlage); and organization of the cells singly or in cohesive clusters. Negative findings included the absence of: frequent mitotic figures, large nucleoli, nuclear pleomorphism, cellular debris, histiocytes, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The smears appeared clean, with small, uniform cells having features suggesting a neuroendocrine epithelial tumor. These findings may prove useful for accurate cytologic diagnosis and differentiation of PNT from other small blue round cell tumors (SBRCT) of soft tissues without the use of ancillary studies since, when properly evaluated, cytomorphology of the latter group of tumors is more heterogeneous than generally believed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:513–517, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Cytomorphology and Clinicopathologic Correlation of the Recurrent and Metastatic Adult Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary: A Retrospective Review

Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) of the ovary are low grade tumor with a potential ability of late pelvic recurrences and distant metastases. However, there is sparse literature on the cytopathologic features of metastatic granulosa cell tumors (MGCT). Between 2000 and 2014, eight cases of MGCT were diagnosed by FNA. Clinical, cytologic, and histopathologic features were reviewed. The age ranged from 34 to 84 years. Metastases were found in abdominal wall (4 cases), pelvic mass (1 case), liver (2 cases), and lung (1 case). The time to metastasis ranged from 1 to 14 years. All cases were hypercellular, with both large and small overlapping cell clusters and individual cells. The cytologic features included: naked nuclei (8/8 cases), Call‐Exner bodies (2/8 cases), and prominent metachromatic stroma (3/8 cases). Moderate cytoplasm (4/8 cases) to scant delicate cytoplasm (4/8 cases) was seen. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were also noted (6/8 cases). N/C ratios were high although lower than small round cell tumors like lymphoma. Prominent, central nucleoli were also present (6/8 cases) as well as nuclear grooves (2/8 cases). Cell block was available in 3/8 cases and all were positive for inhibin immunostain. Histologic examination of the metastatic tissue confirmed MGCT. The important cytologic features of GCT like uniformity of tumor cells, nuclear grooves and Call‐Exner bodies are occasionally present in MGCT. Prominent nucleoli and many naked nuclei were frequent. Therefore, the accurate interpretation of cytologic findings of MGCT requires cytohistologic correlation and inhibin positivity to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions for diagnostic purposes. The possibility of late recurrence of GCT should be kept in mind. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:1058–1063. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Intraoperative imprint cytology of ovarian transitional cell (Brenner) tumors: A retrospective study

Literature on fine‐needle aspiration of ovarian transitional cell tumor or Brenner tumors is sparse and mostly confined to isolated case reports of metastatic transitional cell tumors. We undertook a retrospective study of intraoperative imprint cytology of ovarian transitional cell tumors to better define the cytologic features of this uncommon ovarian tumor. Between 2005 and 2012, a total of 19 ovarian transitional cell tumors were recorded in our surgical pathology files, 10 of which had concomitant imprint cytologic material available for review. The 10 patients included in this study ranged in age between 43 and 73 years (mean age: 54 years). Nine neoplasms were histologically benign and one was borderline. Nine cases had satisfactory cytologic material for review. The cytologic features can be summarized as follows: the eight benign tumors showed abundant naked nuclei in the background, small and large clusters of tumor cells, abundant cytoplasm, smooth nuclear membranes, and lack of nuclear pleomorphism and mitoses. Single plasmacytoid cells with dense blue abundant cytoplasm, perinuclear vacuoles, nucleoli, microfollicle formation, nuclear grooves, binucleation/multinucleation, and extracellular eosinophilic material were some of the other features that were appreciated. The cytologic features of the one case of borderline transitional cell tumor were similar to those of the benign tumors except for the presence of rare mitoses, easily identifiable nuclear pleomorphism and irregular nuclear membranes. This study highlights some characteristic cytologic features of benign/borderline transitional cell tumors of the ovary which can be of help in recognizing this uncommon neoplasm. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:660–663. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas: a neoplasm with distinct and highly characteristic cytological features

The solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP) is an unusual low-grade malignant epithelial tumor affecting predominantly adolescent girls and young women. Although approximately 500 cases of SPTP have been described in the last 40 yr, its pathogenesis remains uncertain. However, the clinical features of this neoplasm are very characteristic and SPTP must be suspected in any young woman with a cystic or partially cystic pancreatic mass. In this report, we describe the cytologic features of seven cases of SPTP investigated by preoperative fine-needle aspirates. The analysis of the cytologic features in these cases and in 43 cases collected from the literature reveals that they are highly characteristic and quite distinct from those of other cystic or solid tumors of the pancreas. On this basis, a cytologic diagnosis of SPTP may be rendered with great confidence, not only in clinically typical examples, but also in unusual presentations, such as in older patients, in males, in ectopic locations, and in metastatic sites.     

Odontogenic ghost cell tumor: A case report with cytologic findings

Odontogenic ghost cell tumor is a rare, neoplastic form of calcifying odontogenic cyst (Gorlin cyst) whose cytologic features have not been previously reported. We present a case of odontogenic ghost cell tumor diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The aspirate was characterized by (1) tissue fragments with basaloid epithelial cells, (2) “ghost” cells, (3) scattered multinucleated giant cells, (4) rare, eosinophilic, densely hyalinized “dentinoid” material in close association with the basaloid cells, and (5) calcific debris. The aspirate was diagnosed as “consistent with odontogenic ghost cell tumor.” The cytologic features of odontogenic ghost cell tumor, as described, closely parallel the major histologic findings in this rare tumor. The differential diagnoses include other odontogenic tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, basaloid cell tumors of the salivary gland, and pilomatrixoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:199–203. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Histocytologic diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors in the liver: A retrospective study of 23 cases

A series of 23 needle biopsies of neuroendocrine tumors occurring in the liver is described. Aspirate smears, core biopsies, and touch preparations were examined. Eighteen of the 23 patients had been previously diagnosed: 9 patients had been correctly identified as having a neuroendocrine tumor, and 9 patients had been originally misdiagnosed. Five of the patients in this series had no previously identified neoplasia. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the neuroendocrine nature of the tumors in each of the cases. On the basis of cytomorphology, these case were subtyped as either round cell type, spindle cell type, or polygonal cell type. The polygonal cell type of neuroendocrine tumor, as well as rare examples of the round cell type, demonstrated features similar to well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma and adenocarcinomas, and may present a diagnostic dilemma. Characteristic cytologic attributes of the polygonal cell type of neuroendocrine tumor which aid in its distinction from well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma include eccentrically located “plasmacytoid” nuclei and cellular discohesion. Findings on core needle biopsy which further identify the neuroendocrine tumors are thick fibrous stroma or small “nests” of tumor cells. The additional use of immunohistochemical staining provides reliable evidence of the cell of origin in confusing cases. Attention to these considerations will aid in the cytologic diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:383–391, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Intra-abdominal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor of the Peritoneum in a Young Man

The desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) has a predilection for involvement of the peritoneal surfaces of young adult men. The tumor has an extremely poor prognosis: despite aggressive therapy the patients usually die of disease within the first 2 years following diagnosis. The present report details the pathologic features of a pelvic tumor, which proved to be a DSRCT, arising in a previously healthy 24-year-old man. The light microscopic features were typical of a DSRCT—the tumor cells were small and round, had inconspicuous cytoplasm, and were grouped into distinctive islands and cords that were dispersed in a fibrous stroma. The immunohistochemical features were likewise characteristic of DSRCT in that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and desmin. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells were distinguished by an abundance of intercellular junctions, cytoplasmic lipid droplets, cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, and an absence of surface microvilli. Recognition of this tumor type is important in view of both its clinical features (extremely poor prognosis despite therapy) and its potential to shed some light on the nature of the family of lesions that has traditionally been classified by light microscopists as small round cell tumors.     

Intra-abdominal Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor of the Peritoneum in a Young Man

The desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) has a predilection for involvement of the peritoneal surfaces of young adult men. The tumor has an extremely poor prognosis: despite aggressive therapy the patients usually die of disease within the first 2 years following diagnosis. The present report details the pathologic features of a pelvic tumor, which proved to be a DSRCT, arising in a previously healthy 24-year-old man. The light microscopic features were typical of a DSRCT—the tumor cells were small and round, had inconspicuous cytoplasm, and were grouped into distinctive islands and cords that were dispersed in a fibrous stroma. The immunohistochemical features were likewise characteristic of DSRCT in that the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and desmin. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells were distinguished by an abundance of intercellular junctions, cytoplasmic lipid droplets, cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, and an absence of surface microvilli. Recognition of this tumor type is important in view of both its clinical features (extremely poor prognosis despite therapy) and its potential to shed some light on the nature of the family of lesions that has traditionally been classified by light microscopists as small round cell tumors.     

Comparison of cytologic features of giant-cell tumor and giant-cell tumor of tendon sheath

The cytologic features in twelve cases of giant-cell tumor (GCT) and five cases of giant-cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) are described. All of these cases were histopathologically confirmed. The aspirates of GCT are composed of a dual population of mononucleated spindle cell and multinucleated giant cells. The peripheral adherence of giant cells to the spindle cell is the feature of diagnostic significance in GCT. In GCTTS, the aspirate consists of a polymorphic population composed of mononuclear histiocyte-like cells, hemosiderin laden macrophages, foamy macrophages, and a few multinucleated giant cells. FNAC can be used as a diagnostic tool for an early and accurate detection of these two giant cell-rich lesions, since the cytologic features when evaluated in conjunction with the clinical and radiologic features are sufficiently diagnostic.     

Lung metastases of a uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex‐cord tumor: Report of a rare case

Uterine tumor resembling an ovarian sex‐cord tumor (UTROSCT) is a rare type of uterine neoplasm. We present an extremely rare case of lung metastases from a UTROSCT focusing on the cytologic features. A 69‐year‐old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for further examination and treatment for abnormal shadows in the right lung field. She had a history of total hysterectomy for UTROSCT. Moreover, she underwent wedge resection of the right middle lobe for lung metastasis of UTROSCT in 2011. Enhanced chest computed tomography scan revealed a solid nodule 8 mm in diameter in the right upper lobe and a well‐demarcated 33‐mm mass or nodule in the lower lobe. Under the diagnosis of metastatic tumors from UTROSCT, she underwent wedge resection of the right upper lobe and segmentectomy of the right S8. Cytologically, the stump smear from the resected tumors revealed round to short spindle‐shaped neoplastic small cells arranged in sheets with poor cohesion and no cluster formation. The nuclei were irregular in shape, and the chromatin was finely granular, uniform, and increased. Mitotic figures were not observed. Necrosis was absent in the background. Histologically, the final diagnosis was UTROSCT group II. This is an unusual case of metastatic UTROSCT to the lung in which the cytologic features are described.     

Cytology of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is extremely uncommon and its cytologic features have rarely been described. We describe the cytologic features of cases we have seen, review the literature regarding its cytologic features and discuss the pitfalls that may be encountered and the use of immunohistochemistry for its diagnosis. We searched our databases for all cases of histologically confirmed pancreatic ACC which had undergone prior fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the primary pancreatic lesion. The clinical histories, radiographic and sonographic findings, cytologic features, original cytologic diagnoses, and final histologic diagnoses were reviewed. Four cases of pancreatic ACC were found that had undergone FNA prior to histologic confirmation of the diagnoses. They were from 2 men and 2 women aged 50-75 yr. All masses were in the head of the pancreas, 2 had apparent peri-pancreatic adenopathy and 1 had an apparent liver metastasis. On review, all 4 had had diagnostic material on cytology samples. Original cytologic diagnoses included "acinar cell carcinoma," "pancreatic endocrine tumor," "favor neuroendocrine tumor, low-grade" and "non-diagnostic specimen." The cytologic features included small to moderate-sized loose groups with numerous single cells, prominent acinar formation, little anisonucleosis and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic features showed significant overlap with those of pancreatic endocrine tumors.     

Cytology of sex cord tumor with annular tubules: A case report

The cytologic findings of a sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTAT) that ruptured during laparoscopy are described. Features useful in distinguishing SCTAT from other ovarian sex cord tumors include the presence of highly cellular tubular formations containing well-delimited glassy pink material and absence of single cells. To the best of our knowledge, the cytology of SCTAT has not been previously reported. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:362–364. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology features of a recurring plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor in the upper limb and review of the literature

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor is a rare soft tissue tumor that has a propensity to occur in the extremities in adolescents and young adults. Its cytologic features are not well documented, with only two case reports available in the literature. We present the case of a recurrent plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor in a 19-year-old male, the cytologic features of which mimic that of a high-grade sarcoma. We discuss the likely differential diagnosis based on the cytologic findings and a review of the current literature on this highly unusual tumor is also performed.