Neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells. A feature to consider in the differential diagnosis in fine needle aspiration smears

Nalini Gupta; Radhika Srinivasan; Raje Nijhawan; Arvind Rajwanshi

doi:10.1159/000325677

Neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells. A feature to consider in the differential diagnosis in fine needle aspiration smears

Acta Cytol. 2007 Jan-Feb;51(1):21-4. doi: 10.1159/000325677.

Authors

Nalini Gupta¹, Radhika Srinivasan, Raje Nijhawan, Arvind Rajwanshi

Affiliation

¹ Department of Cytopathology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

PMID: 17328490
DOI: 10.1159/000325677

Abstract

Objective: To analyze neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells in fine needle aspirate (FNA) smears from different types of tumor.

Study design: A retrospective review of a total of 7 cases showing prominent neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells in FNA smears during the period July 2003-December 2004.

Results: This feature was seen in malignant fibrous histiocytoma and poorly differentiated renal cell carcinoma in addition to giant cell carcinoma of the lung.

Conclusion: Neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells is seen in FNA smears and on cytomorphology. The differential diagnoses should include both pleomorphic sarcomas and carcinomas.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aged
Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Carcinoma, Giant Cell / diagnosis
Carcinoma, Giant Cell / immunology
Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnosis
Carcinoma, Renal Cell / immunology
Child, Preschool
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / diagnosis
Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / immunology
Humans
Kidney Neoplasms / diagnosis
Kidney Neoplasms / immunology
Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
Lung Neoplasms / immunology
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms / immunology*
Neutrophils / immunology*
Phagocytosis
Retrospective Studies
Sarcoma / diagnosis
Sarcoma / immunology