Comparison of post-hepatectomy long-term survival outcome between non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine and colorectal liver metastases: A population-based propensity-score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatectomy is an established treatment for colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) or neuroendocrine liver metastasis. However, its role in non-colorectal non-neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NCNNLM) is controversial. This study aims to compare long-term survival outcomes after hepatectomy between NCNNLM and CLM in a population-based cohort. METHODS: From 2009 to 2018, curative hepatectomy were performed in 964 patients with NCNNLM (n â€‹= â€‹133) or CLM (n â€‹= â€‹831). Propensity score (PS) matching was performed. Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between PS-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting survival. RESULTS: There were 133 patients in the NCNNLM group and 266 patients in the CLM group. The mortality (1.5 â€‹% vs 1.5 â€‹%) and morbidity (19.5 â€‹% vs 20.3 â€‹%) rates were comparable between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year overall (48.9 â€‹% vs 39.8 â€‹%) and recurrence-free (25.1 â€‹% vs 23.4 â€‹%) survival rates between NCNNLM and CLM groups. A high pre-operative serum bilirubin level, severe postoperative complications and multiple tumors were independent prognostic factors for poor survival. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy for selected patients with NCNNLM can achieve similar long-term oncological outcomes as those with CLM. High serum bilirubin, severe postoperative complication and multiple tumors are poor prognostic factors for survival.

EGFR gene mutation study in cytology specimens.

Activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in non-small cell lung cancer predicts a significantly higher clinical response rate to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting EGFR, and it is currently recommended that patients under consideration for EGFR TKI as first-line therapy be tested for such mutations to determine the appropriateness of treatment. For lung cancer patients who present with advanced stage disease where surgical treatment is not indicated, cytology specimens obtained through bronchoscopy, drainage of body fluid, or fine-needle aspiration are the only means to obtain tumor cells for tissue diagnosis and EGFR gene mutation testing. We reviewed the experience of 1,410 consecutive EGFR mutation testing requests at a single institution in Hong Kong that comprised 269 cytology specimens and 1,141 surgical specimens. The material inadequacy issue in cytology specimens may be overcome by tumor cell enrichment strategies and employment of mutation detection techniques with increased analytical sensitivity. The use of cytology specimens to test for predictive molecular cancer biomarkers is without a doubt expected to increase, and cytopathologists should be closely engaged with the clinicians in the therapeutic process and become acquainted with new technology in order to directly participate in personalized oncology care.

Return to work after injury in Hong Kong: prospective multi-center cohort study.

PURPOSE: Trauma remains a major cause of morbidity and disability worldwide; however, reliable data on the health status of an urban Asian population after injury are scarce. The aim was to evaluate 1-year post-trauma return to work (RTW) status in Hong Kong. METHODS: This was a prospective, multi-center cohort study involving four regional trauma centers from 2017 to 2019 in Hong Kong. Participants included adult patients entered into the trauma registry who were working or seeking employment at the time of injury. The primary outcome was the RTW status up to 1 year. The Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, 12-item Short Form (SF-12) survey and EQ5D were also obtained during 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for analysis. RESULTS: Six hundred and seven of the 1115 (54%) recruited patients had RTW during the first year after injury. Lower physical requirements (p = 0.003, HR 1.51) in pre-injury job nature, higher educational levels (p < 0.001, HR 1.95), non-work-related injuries (p < 0.001, HR 1.85), shorter hospital length of stay (p = 0.007, HR 0.98), no requirement for surgery (p = 0.006, HR 1.34), and patients who could be discharged home (p = 0.006, HR 1.43) were associated with RTW within 12 months post-injury. In addition, 1-month outcomes including extended Glasgow Outcome Scale ≥ 6 (p = 0.001, HR 7.34), higher mean SF-12 physical component summary (p = 0.002, HR 1.02) and mental component summary (p < 0.001, HR 1.03), and higher EQ5D health index (p = 0.018, HR 2.14) were strongly associated with RTW. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified factors associated with failure to RTW during the first year following in Hong Kong including socioeconomic factors, injury factors and treatment-related factors and 1-month outcomes. Future studies should focus on the interventions that can impact on RTW outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03219424.

Use of fludarabine-containing chemotherapeutic regimen results in durable complete remission of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma.

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare lymphoma. The optimal therapy for SPTCL is undefined and the results of treatment with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy for aggressive cases have remained poor. A 27-year-old woman with multifocal and aggressive CD8+ SPTCL was treated with the purine analog fludarabine in combination with mitoxantrone and dexamethasone (FND). The patient achieved complete remission after one course of treatment. After completion of six courses of FND, the patient has remained in remission for more than 3 years. FND may be an effective treatment for aggressive SPTCL.

Follow-up study of atypical glandular cells in gynecologic cytology using conventional Pap smears and liquid-based preparations: impact of the Bethesda System 2001.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of the Bethesda System (TBS) 2001 in reporting of atypical glandular cells (AGC) when using conventional Pap smears (CS) and liquid-based cytology preparations (LBC). STUDY DESIGN: Follow-up information for all atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance (AGUS)/ AGC cases encountered in Queen Mary Hospital from July 2000 to June 2004 was analyzed. The difference in percentages associated with certain end points when using different reporting systems and preparation methods were compared. The age trends and time interval between cytologic diagnosis and detection of positive end points were studied. RESULTS: More than half of these cases turned out to be "negative." The majority with "negative" end points belonged to the "not otherwise specified" (NOS) groups (including atypical endometrial cells) in TBS 2001. The connotation of "favor neoplastic" carried a high positive predictive value for significant lesions. Most of the significant outcomes were discovered within the subsequent 6 months. A decreased reporting of "AGC, NOS" and an increased reporting of "atypical endocervical cells, NOS" were noted when using LBC. CONCLUSION: Subcategorization of AGC in TBS 2001 according to cellular origin and risk of malignancy, which is further enhanced by application of LBC, is useful.

Neoadjuvant palbociclib on ER+ breast cancer (N007): clinical response and EndoPredict's value.

The purpose of the study was to test the efficacy of neoadjuvant palbociclib therapy and to evaluate its impact on cell cycle arrest and changes in EndoPredict (EP) scores before and after treatment. Postmenopausal women with histologically proven ER+ve, HER2-ve invasive breast cancer, 2 cm or greater, were enrolled in an open-label, single-arm study. Twenty eligible patients were given letrozole 2.5 mg per day together with palbociclib 125 mg per day for 3 out of 4 weeks in repeated cycles for 16 weeks (4 cycles) before surgery. The primary end points were clinical response rates (cRR) and preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI). The secondary end points were pathologic response and gene expression testing with EP test on collected tumor samples. The following results were obtained. 17 patients showed a clinical response of 50% or more, including 8 complete responses and 9 partial responses. There was significant reduction in area (P < 0.0001) and volume (P = 0.017) of the cancer. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was achieved in one patient; all cancers were downgraded after treatment. Ki67 (P = 0.044) and EP scores (P < 0.0001) were significantly reduced after treatment. Analysis of the relative gene expression levels showed that all proliferative genes, IL6ST and RBBP8 were decreased after palbociclib treatment. 6 patients with intermediate and three patients with high PEPI risk scores were found to have low EPclin scores. All patients with high PEPI relapse risk score had high EPclin score. In conclusion, effective clinical response was demonstrated by neoadjuvant letrozole in combination with palbociclib. Compared with PEPI, EPclin might be a better parameter to estimate prognosis after neoadjuvant therapy.

A follow-up study of atypical squamous cells in gynecologic cytology using conventional papanicolaou smears and liquid-based preparations: the impact of the Bethesda System 2001.

We evaluated the impact of the Bethesda System (TBS) 2001 in cytology reporting of atypical squamous cells (ASC) when using conventional Pap smears and liquid-based cytology preparations (LBC). Follow-up information for all ASC cases encountered in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China, from July 2000 to June 2004 (using TBS 1991 in the first 2-year period and TBS 2001 in the second) was analyzed. Among 4, 089 ASC cases studied, more than 50% had negative follow-up; this percentage was lower with TBS 2001. The percentage of ASC cases with a low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) end point was higher with TBS 2001, especially after application of LBC. There was also a decreasing trend of having this low-grade CIN end point with advancing age. Most clinically significant outcomes occurred after 6 months and before 1 year post-ASC diagnosis. With TBS 2001, more than 50% of ASC, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) were associated with high-grade CIN on follow-up. TBS 2001 improves the positive predictive value of ASC for clinically significant lesions. Introduction of dichotomous subcategorization of ASC is relevant, with ASC-H associated with a much higher risk of subsequent high-grade squamous lesions.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast.

AIM: To determine the pathognomonic diagnostic cytological features of invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast which is a poor prognostic subtype of infiltrating ductal carcinoma. METHODS: A series of 20 histologically proven tumours were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the various cytological features, including tumour morules, isolated malignant cells, staghorn epithelial structures, mucinous background and apocrine metaplasia. RESULTS: Tumour morules formation and isolated malignant cells were the two most reliable and constant cytological features, being present in 75% (15/20 cases) of cases. Staghorn epithelial structures were present in 35% (7 cases). Mucinous background (2 cases, 10%) and apocrine metaplasia (4 cases, 20%) of the tumour cells were seen in a few cases only and did not appear very helpful. CONCLUSION: Tumour morules formation, isolated malignant cells and staghorn epithelial structures are the most reliable cytological features, and the presence of these should raise suspicion of invasive micropapillary carcinoma.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Since the first description of extranodalfollicular dendritic cell sarcoma in 1994, there has been a gradual increase in understanding of the morphologic features and clinical presentation of this tumor. However, difficulties persist in making cytologic diagnosis. CASES: Two cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) findings were reported. The first patient was a Chinese woman who presented with a right tonsillar mass, which was followed by right submandibular recurrence. The second patient was a Chinese man with known history of Castleman's disease of the nasopharynx complicated by follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, followed by tumor recurrence in cervical lymph nodes. FNAC of both recurrent cases showed isolated or syncytial sheets of tumor cells containing eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, ill-defined cell borders, round to oval nuclei, solitary round eosinophilic nucleoli and fine chromatin. CONCLUSION: The tumor cells in follicular dendritic cell sarcoma show cytologic features reminiscent of native follicular dendritic cells but with a greater than expected cell number and nuclear pleomorphism. These cells may be immunohistochemically inert for follicular dendritic cell markers CD21 and CD35. A presumptive diagnosis on the basis of cytologic examination is possible when paying attention to the subtle morphologic features.

Toward implementation of a regional quality assurance program in cytopathology: the Hong Kong experience.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a local quality assurance program in cytopathology based on circulation of patient specimens on glass slides, with limited resources. STUDY DESIGN: A working group was set up for design and running of the program. Participation is on a laboratory basis. The scope and frequency of testing are defined. Well-documented cases (including gynecologic, nongynecologic and fine needle aspiration cytology) with commonly encountered diagnoses are collected. Consensus concerning the diagnosis, interpretive menu and scoring system is sought before the actual slide circulations using express mail. After returning their answers to the program organizer, the participating laboratories receive immediate feedback on their scores, with reference answers, explanatory notes, "whole-mount" images of glass slides and cumulative responses of peer laboratories for on-site checking. At the end of each year, an electronic file containing representative photomicrographs of all cases examined is provided to individual laboratories for their permanent records and training purposes. RESULTS: The program was launched in mid-2003. There were 24 and 27 participating laboratories from Hong Kong (and Macau) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. To date, >150 well-documented cytology cases are available in the slide pool and ready for circulation. As the revenue is mainly to cover the expenses of express mail, the program can be carried out at a relatively low cost. CONCLUSION: In order to have any cytology quality assurance program accepted by local laboratories, it has to be fair and practical. Strict confidentiality needs to be observed throughout the process. This program emphasizes both performance assessment and educational value. Adequate representation from experienced local cytology workers, detailed documentation support from authorities and assistance from dedicated staff are essential to the success of any external proficiency testing scheme. Regular review and evaluation are also necessary for continuous improvement. The Hong Kong experience can serve as an example of running a glass slide-based cytology quality assurance program in a small region with limited resources.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of apocrine carcinoma of the breast. Review of cases in a three-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the fine needle aspiration cytology findings of apocrine carcinoma of breast and correlate them with the histologic appearance. STUDY DESIGN: The author reviewed the fine needle aspiration cytology findings of two cases of pure apocrine carcinoma of the breast in the files of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital during a three-year period, 1998-2000. RESULTS: The cytologic findings in both cases were similar. The smears were of moderate to high cellularity, consisting of predominantly dispersed or loosely cohesive tumor cells in a focally granular background. The carcinoma cells contained abundant, dense to granular cytoplasm; round or oval and sometimes eccentrically located nuclei; a smooth nuclear outline; evenly dispersed chromatin; and solitary macronucleoli. The cell borders were mostly discrete. In contrast to benign apocrine cells, the malignant cells showed nuclear overlapping, more frequent nuclear pleomorphism, increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios and occasional mitotic figures. Histologic examination of the excised specimens showed extensive, solid apocrine carcinoma in situ with focal stromal invasion. CONCLUSION: Apocrine carcinoma, a subtype of breast carcinoma characterized mainly by its cytologic features, needs to be distinguished from benign apocrine lesions or other eosinophilic and granular cell tumors of the breast. Recognition of the subtle cytologic differences renders a definitive preoperative diagnosis possible.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of fibroadenoma with multinucleated stromal giant cells. A review of cases in a six-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the fine needle aspiration cytology findings of fibroadenoma with multinucleated stromal giant cells, with histologic correlation. STUDY DESIGN: The author reviewed the cytologic findings of two cases of fibroadenoma with multinucleated stromal giant cells from the file of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a six-year period from 1995 to the end of 2000. The diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination of the lumpectomy specimens. RESULTS: The two cases had similar cytologic findings. The direct smears contained cohesive clusters of bland-looking ductal cells arranged in a "staghorn" pattern. Numerous naked nuclei were also seen in the background. Also, there were occasional multinucleated giant cells in isolation. These giant cells contained 5-10 randomly arranged, round to oval nuclei, fine chromatin and sometimes distinct nucleoli. The cytoplasm was abundant and pale staining, and the cell border was ill defined. Associated epithelioid histiocytes and foamy macrophages were not seen. Histologic examination of the lumpectomy specimens showed architectural features of fibroadenoma with pericanalicular and intracanalicular patterns. In addition, scattered multinucleated giant cells with focal degenerative change were noted in the tumor stroma. Their stromal nature was confirmed by immunohistochemical study. CONCLUSION: Multinucleated stromal giant cells are rarely identified in fine needle aspiration biopsies of fibroadenoma. Recognition of this peculiar finding may help to avoid misdiagnosis of other, more sinister conditions, such as phyllodes tumor and metaplastic carcinoma.

Thin-layer (liquid-based) cytologic findings of papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the cervix. Review of cases over a 4-year period with emphasis on potential diagnostic pitfalls.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the thin-layer cytology and diagnostic pitfalls of papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the cervix, with clinical and histologic correlation. STUDY DESIGN: The author reviewed the clinical findings, thin-layer cytology and histologic features of papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the cervix encountered at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, during the 4-year period January 1998-March 2002. Strict histologic criteria (basaloid/transitional cell-like cells constituted > 70% of the tumor cell population and papillary/anastomosing, frondlike structures seen in > 70% of tumor tissue in superficial biopsies) were employed in defining this entity. RESULTS: During the study period, 10 biopsy cases of carcinoma of the lower female genital tract (9 in cervix and 1 in vagina) fulfilled the above histologic criteria. Six of them had thin-layer cytology performed The preparations were often of moderate to high cellularity and contained three-dimensional, arborizing, papillary clusters of basal/parabasal cells. Discernible fibrovascular cores were sometimes identified. Occasionally at the papillary surface, the basaloid cells were aligned horizontally. High-power cytology of the tumor cells ranged from bland-looking to high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) and sometimes squamous cell carcinoma. Mitotic figures were commonly identified. Tumor diathesis and dyskeratotic cells were occasional. Koilocytosis was not observed. Subsequent tumor biopsies showed evidence of stromal invasion in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma has a distinctive appearance in thin-layer cytologic preparations. The predominance of bland-looking basaloid cells or HSIL cells, together with scantiness of tumor diathesis and carcinoma cells, may lead to underdiagnosis. Recognition of the subtle cytologic features and clinical correlation are essential in arriving at a correct diagnosis.

Thin-layer cytology findings of papillary adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix. Report of a case with histologic correlation and molecular analysis.

BACKGROUND: Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the lower female genital tract is a rare form of malignancy with distinctive histologic features. To my knowledge, its adenosquamous counterpart has not been reported before. CASE: A 69-year-old woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding due to a bulky cervical tumor. The thin-layer cytology preparation (Autocyte, TriPath Imaging, Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A.) was of high cellularity and contained multiple small, papillary clusters of basaloid to columnar cells. Discernible fibrovascular cores were noted. In the background were many loosely dispersed, bland-looking columnar cells as well as cells of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (CIN 3). On a diligent search, scattered adenocarcinoma cells containing distinct intracytoplasmic vacuoles were found. There were a small number of dyskaryotic squamous cells with bizarre shapes, assuming "tadpolelike" morphology. Histologic examination of the tumor biopsy showed a papillary tumor with central fibrovascular cores covered with mitotically active, poorly differentiated squamous cells that imperceptibly merged with abortive glandular structures. Molecular analysis using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed the presence of human papillomavirus type 16 DNA in the liquid-based cytology sample. CONCLUSION: Papillary adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix shares some morphologic and even histogenetic overlaps with papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma and, to a lesser extent, conventional endocervical adenocarcinoma. It may pose certain diagnostic dilemmas for the unwary. In view of its distinctive cytohistologic features, this tumor warrants greater recognition in gynecologic pathology.

Mammary mucinous carcinoma with marked cytoplasmic hyalinization. A report of 2 cases with emphasis on fine needle aspiration cytologic findings.

BACKGROUND: Cytoplasmic eosinophilia in breast tumors is due mainly to abundance of secretory granules, lysosomes and/or mitochondria. Diffuse cytoplasmic hyalinization caused by intermediate filaments has not been described before. CASES: Two cases of pure mammary mucinous carcinoma occurred with marked cytoplasmic hyalinization among 556 wide excision/mastectomy specimens of mammary ductal carcinoma, either in situ or invasive, encountered at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, during the period from 1994 to the end of 2001. Preoperative fine needle aspiration cytology was available in 1 case, showing cohesive clusters and micropapillae of tumor cells in abundant background mucin. The tumor cells had low mitotic activity and possessed round to oval nuclei, solitary macronucleoli; ample, eosinophilic cytoplasm and discrete cell borders. Cytoplasmic granularity, intracytoplasmic vacuoles or "cometlike" cells were not found. Histologic examination of the surgical specimens in both cases revealed pure mucinous carcinoma with diffuse and marked cytoplasmic hyalinization. There was no evidence of peritumoral lymphovascular permeation or regional lymph node metastasis. Ultrastructural examination showed minimal secretory activity, with abundant, loose aggregates of intermediate filaments in the cytoplasm. There was a relative paucity of other organelles. CONCLUSION: Diffuse cytoplasmic hyalinization is a peculiar morphologic change in mammary ductal carcinoma and apparently unique to pure mucinous carcinoma. Recognition of this phenomenon may help to avoid misdiagnosis of other types of ductal carcinoma with cytoplasmic eosinophilia, such as apocrine carcinoma and ductal carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, which sometimes are also associated with pools of extracellular mucin.

Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast. A review of three cases with reappraisal of the fine needle aspiration biopsy findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the fine needle aspiration cytology findings of adenomyoepithelioma of the breast, with histologic correlation. STUDY DESIGN: The author reviewed the cytologic findings of three cases of adenomyoepithelioma of the breast in the files of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in a three-year period, 1998-2000. The diagnosis was confirmed by histologic examination, immunohistochemical study and electron microscopy. RESULTS: All cases showed similar cytologic findings. The direct smears and cytospin preparations contained an obvious biphasic cell population. There were clusters and sheets of benign apocrine cells admixed with clumps of bland-looking oval to spindle cells. The apocrine cells contained larger, round nuclei; prominent solitary nucleoli; and ample eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm. In contrast, the spindle cells had oval nuclei, fine chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and scanty amphophilic cytoplasm. A small number of named nuclei and foamy macrophages was noted in the background. The characteristic stromal elements seen in fibroepithelial tumor of the breast were not found. The myoepithelial nature of the spindle cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. Subsequent simple mastectomy and wide local excision were performed on cases 1 and 2, respectively, revealing focal carcinomatous transformation in the adenomyoepitheliomas. The carcinoma cells, however, were not sampled in the initial cytologic specimens. CONCLUSION: The cytologic features of adenomyoepithelioma, though variable and subtle, are characteristic enough for diagnosis. Recognition of the peculiar combination of benign apocrine cells and clumps of nondescript spindle cells should alert the cytologist to this rare but distinct entity, which carries a propensity for malignant transformation.

Significance of squamous cells in fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast. A review of cases in a seven-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the significance of detecting squamous cells in fine needle aspiration biopsy of breast lesions. STUDY DESIGN: The authors reviewed 15 cases of fine needle aspiration cytology of the breast with a discernible number of squamous cells from the files of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, during a seven-year period from the start of 1994 to the end of 2001. The cytologic features were correlated with clinical, radiologic and histologic findings, if any. RESULTS: Among the 15 fine needle aspirates of the breast with a discernible number of squamous cells, 5 of them represented metaplastic carcinoma. The remaining consisted of 3 cases of fibroepithelial tumors, 1 case of duct ectasia, 3 cases of subareolar abscess, 2 cases of sclerosed intraduct papilloma and 1 case of benign breast cyst. In general, benign squamous cells were bland looking and often associated with anucleated squames. They were mitotically inactive and could show a good maturation pattern. Tumor cell cannibalism was rare. The presence of abundant, foamy macrophages in the background suggested a benign lesion. The primary diagnosis could be deduced by recognition of other features, such as the presence of myxoid stromal tissue and papillary structures. In contrast, malignant squamous cells in metaplastic carcinoma were more pleomorphic and mitotically active. Dyskeratosis and tumor cell cannibalism were obvious. Tumor diathesis and bizarre-shaped cells were sometimes found. CONCLUSION: Squamous cells occur in fine needle aspirates from a number of benign and malignant breast lesions. Benign conditions with abundant squamous cells may sometimes mimic malignant squamous lesions and vice versa. Careful assessment of the cytologic features of squamous cells and background appearance is crucial for achieving a correct diagnosis.

Liquid-based cytology findings of glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix. Report of a case with histologic correlation and molecular analysis.

BACKGROUND: Glassy cell carcinoma is a rare form of poorly differentiated carcinoma of the cervix with no obvious squamous or glandular differentiation. Its liquid-based cytology findings have not been described before. CASE: A 46-year-old Filipina presented with vaginal bleeding due to a bulky cervical tumor. The liquid-based cytology preparation was of moderate cellularity and contained small clusters of polygonal to elongated tumor cells admixed with amphophilic, granular, necrotic debris. The malignant cells possessed round to oval nuclei; a thin nuclear membrane; finely dispersed chromatin; prominent, solitary nucleoli; abundant, cyanophilic cytoplasm; and discrete cell borders. Occasional tumor cells showed phagocytosis of polymorphs. The background contained a mixed population of inflammatory cells. Eosinophils, though present, were not readily identified in the cytologic specimen. There was no evidence of dyskeratosis, cytoplasmic vacuolation or koilocytosis. Histologic and ultrastructural examination of the tumor biopsy showed classic features of glassy cell carcinoma. Molecular analysis using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in the liquid-based cytology sample. The HPV genotype, however, did not belong to any of the commonly encountered prototypes. CONCLUSION: Glassy cell carcinoma of the cervix may show distinct, though subtle, cytomorphologic features in liquid-based preparations. The findings, however, are slightly different from those in conventional cervical smears. Awareness of this rare entity is important, as glassy cell carcinoma is often associated with more aggressive clinical behavior.

Warty (condylomatous) carcinoma of the cervix. A review of 3 cases with emphasis on thin-layer cytology and molecular analysis for HPV.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the thin-layer cytology (if available) and histologic findings of warty (condylomatous) carcinoma of the cervix, with molecular analysis for HPV screening. STUDY DESIGN: The authors reviewed the clinical features, thin-layer cytology (if available) and histologic findings of all cases of warty carcinoma of the cervix encountered at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, during the 4-year period January 1998-April 2002. Molecular techniques for HPV screening using polymerase chain reaction were carried out on thin-layer cytology specimens or paraffin-embedded tumor tissue. RESULTS: Three cases of warty carcinoma of the cervix were encountered during the study period. Thin-layer preparations (Autocyte, TriPath Imaging, Burlington, North Carolina, U.S.A.) were available for 2 of them, and both were of moderate cellularity. There were small, cohesive clusters and syncytial sheets of tumor cells with vague papillary configurations. Dispersed squamous carcinoma cells and necrotic tumor debris (diathesis) were focally present in the background. The tumor cells were polygonal to elongated and contained oval nuclei, coarse chromatin and sometimes distinct nucleoli. Dyskeratotic tumor cells with bizarre shapes were also noted. Characteristically, there were also many koilocytes demonstrating extreme nuclear atypia and increased nuclear/cytoplasm ratio. These koilocytic cells possessed pleomorphic nuclei, distinct nucleoli and perinuclear cytoplasmic halos. Histologic examination of the tumor biopsies showed classic features of warty carcinoma, with papillary architecture, obvious koilocytic cytopathic change and focal stromal invasion. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of HPV DNA in all the samples. CONCLUSION: Although koilocytes are rarely found in cervical cytology specimens of conventional squamous cell carcinoma, they are characteristically observed in warty carcinoma. A correct cytologic diagnosis is possible if one pays attention to the extreme koilocytic atypia, focal papillary configurations and otherwise classic features of squamous cell carcinoma. Abundance of koilocytes does not necessarily rule out invasive malignancy.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of follicular carcinoma with clear cell change. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell change, which may occur in a variety of thyroid neoplasms, is an uncommon finding. A fine needle aspirate of a follicular neoplasm showing extensive clear cell morphology is even more rarely described in the literature. CASE: We report the fine needle aspiration cytology of a case of follicular neoplasm undergoing clear cell change due to intracellular accumulation of lipid and mucin. The cytology showed cohesive sheets of nondescript, round to oval cells having ample, pale-staining cytoplasm. Many of the tumor cells tended to cluster around branching capillaries. Adipocytelike cells with discrete cell borders, eccentric nuclei and cytoplasm distended by fat globules were frequently found. The cell block sections also showed scattered ghost outlines of these adipocytelike cells in a mucoid background. Similar findings were noted in the crush preparation of the freshly excised surgical specimen. Histologic examination confirmed the presence of a minimally invasive follicular carcinoma with clear cell change. CONCLUSION: Though the cytologic features of this peculiar morphologic variant of follicular neoplasm may mimic those of mesenchymal lesions or metastatic tumors, recognition of other subtle changes, together with ancillary investigations, is useful in arriving at a correct preoperative diagnosis.