Fine-needle Aspiration Cell Blocks Research Articles

Improving diagnostic yield of pancreatic serous cystadenoma with cyst fluid ancillary testing, adjunct immunohistochemistry, and additional fine-needle biopsy sampling.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis of pancreatic serous cystadenoma (SCA) remains challenging. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the roles of cyst fluid ancillary testing and combined fine-needle biopsy (FNB) in improving the diagnostic yield. The authors retrospectively reviewed cytology cases that were histologically confirmed SCAs. Clinical features and FNA cyst fluid biochemical and molecular analysis results along FNB findings were reviewed. The study cohort included 31 cases from 13 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of 65. The original cytologic diagnoses were nondiagnostic (n=6, 19%), negative for malignant cells/cyst contents (n=7, 23%), atypical cells (n=3, 10%), nonmucinous cyst (n=11, 35%), and serous cystadenoma (n=4, 13%). Cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) analysis was performed in 17 cases, all of which showed a low CEA level (<192 ng/mL). All 14 cases with molecular testing showed a wild-type KRAS. Inhibin immunohistochemistry was retrospectively performed on the FNA cell blocks, inhibin was positive in six of seven cases tested. In 15 cases with concurrent FNA and FNB biopsies, the diagnosis of SCA was seen in only one FNA case (7%) but 13 FNB cases (87%). This study suggests that FNA diagnosis of SCA remains challenging even with ancillary testing including cyst fluid CEA level and KRAS mutation analysis. Adjunct inhibin immunostaining may help improve the cytologic diagnosis of selective SCA cases. FNB appears superior to FNA for a definite diagnosis of SCA.

Fine Needle Aspirate Flow Cytometry's Ancillary Utility in Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Head and Neck.

While ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cell block (FNACB) is a cost-effective, expeditious, and reliable procedure used routinely in the initial evaluation of head and neck masses, it has limited efficacy in diagnosing lymphoproliferative disorders such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Flow cytometry performed on an fine-needle aspiration (FNA) sample [ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirate flow cytometry or flow cytometry performed on an FNA sample (FNAFC)], has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to FNACB in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders of the spleen, kidney, and thyroid. The objective of this study was to appraise FNAFC's utility as an ancillary tool to detect NHL arising in the head and neck region in adult patients. This is a retrospective study involving 52 adult patients with head and neck lymphadenopathies and masses suspicious for lymphoproliferative disorders, who underwent ultrasound-guided FNACB and ultrasound-guided FNAFC between January 2017 and November 2022. Patient demographics, FNACB histopathological and immunophenotypic results, postoperative histopathology results (when available), and follow-up information until May 2023 were reviewed. Of the 52 FNACB samples, 23 samples (44.2%) yielded a diagnosis negative for carcinoma, 20 samples (38.5%) were nondiagnostic on account of scant cellularity, 8 samples (15.4%) were suspicious for malignancy, and a single sample (1.9%) was compatible with malignancy. Regarding FNAFC samples, 37 samples (71.2%) were diagnosed as showing no evidence for a lymphoproliferative disorder, 4 samples (7.7%) as nondiagnostic because of insufficient cell count, 4 samples (7.7%) as suspicious for a lymphoproliferative neoplasm, and 7 samples (13.5%) as compatible with a lymphoproliferative neoplasm, most frequently a B-cell lymphoma. 7 of the 11 patients (63.6%) with a suspicious/positive FNAFC result underwent excisional biopsy for additional work up. Postoperative histopathology reports corroborated FNAFC's findings in 6 patients (85.7%), while the remaining patient's (14.3%) suspicious FNAFC result was discordant with postoperative histopathology results. The other 4 patients (36.4%) did not require excisional biopsy as the hemato-oncologist deemed the information provided by the FNAFC as sufficient for the diagnosis and treatment of an NHL in the specific clinical contexts of those patients. All patients with nondiagnostic (due to insufficient cell count), inconclusive, or negative FNAFC (ie, nondiagnostic of a lymphoproliferative disorder) were followed up for a mean follow-up period of 11.9 months (range: 61.2 months; SD: 10.2 months), during which no new lymphadenopathies/masses nor progression was observed. FNAFC is a useful and practical supplementary tool in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders in the head and neck region, principally B-cell lymphoma. While conventional FNACB offers a valuable insight into the initial work up of head and neck masses, FNAFC can routinely detect small abnormal cell populations. Furthermore, in specific clinical contexts, it can reliably diagnose NHL, thereby averting the need for an excisional biopsy in a subset of patients.

Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Lesions and Its Cytohistological Correlation for Risk Stratification: A Single-Institution Experience.

Salivary gland tumors are known to have a heterogeneous profile with variable clinical presentation and a wide variety of histological subgroups of prognostic significance. Immunocytochemical markers that aid in the diagnosis and characterization of the cell type of origin are critical for this heterogeneous group of malignancies. To study the application of The 'Milan System' for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytology and the diagnostic utility of a panel of immunocytochemical markers in the diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms and their cytohistological correlation for their risk stratification. This was a prospective study carried out in which a total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears and cell blocks were prepared with standard techniques and staining procedures. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed on cell block sections by immunoperoxidase procedure. Immunocytochemical (ICC) stains were used for the differentiation of the lesions in cell blocks. Histopathology was also studied if the patient underwent excision of salivary gland lesions. Almost 60 cases were studied under FNAC and cell block evaluation, as well as ICC, among those five (8.33%) samples were inadequate, eight (13.3%) were non-neoplastic, 27 (45%) were benign, one (1.7%) was neoplasmwith uncertain malignancy potential, one (1.7%) was suspected of malignancy, and 19 (31.7%) were malignant.The histopathological diagnosis was confirmed in 47 cases. Of these, 24 (51.1%) were benign and 23 (48.9%) were malignant. The malignancy rate for Milan Categories I, II, III, IVa, IVb, V, and VI was 0%, 0%, 100%, 24%, 50%, 80%, and 84.6%, respectively. The study showed that malignancy risk stratification could be further improved by using cell block with immunocytochemistryas a complementary diagnostic modality. The present study was carried out to assess the usefulness of the Milan system to report salivary gland cytology results. Thus, the findings of the present study showthat the Milan system is helpful in stratifying the risk of malignancy in salivary gland tumors.

The Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Lesions.

Fine needle aspiration is a minimally invasive, low-morbidity, and cost-efficient technique for the sampling of mediastinal lesions. Additionally, ancillary testing on FNA samples can be used for the refinement of diagnoses and for treatment-related purposes (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics). Mediastinal lesions, however, can show a variety of lineages and morphologic features, giving rise to diagnostic dilemmas. As a result, the differential diagnosis can vary widely and becomes especially challenging due to the smaller sample size on FNA and the variability in component sampling. For appropriate patient management and to determine the correct treatment strategies, accurate pathologic diagnoses are paramount. In this review, we present the cytomorphologic features together with the immunophenotypic findings of mediastinal lesions, with emphasis on the diagnostic challenges and pitfalls in FNA cytology samples, including smears and cell block sections.

Isolated Light Chain-restricted Germinal Centers are Common in Follicular Hyperplasia by Ultrasensitive In Situ Hybridization.

Ultrasensitive bright-field RNA in situ hybridization (BRISH) can be used to detect lower levels of light chain expression than immunohistochemical stains or conventional colorimetric RNA in situ hybridization. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 77 lymph node specimens with follicular hyperplasia and kappa/lambda BRISH performed as part of the diagnostic evaluation. Thirty-two of the specimens had ≥1 germinal center(s) (GC) showing light chain restriction (14 specimens with lambda-restricted GC, 9 with kappa-restricted GC, and 9 with separate kappa-restricted or lambda-restricted GC). In all but 1 specimen, the light chain-restricted GC represented a minority of the total GC (average: 10%, range: 0.2% to 60%). There was no significant difference in age, sex, type of biopsy (core vs. excision), number of GCs, proportion of cases with a light chain-restricted B-cell population by flow cytometry, or proportion of cases with a positive IgH gene rearrangement study between the specimens with and without restricted GCs. In our cohort of follicular hyperplasia cases, BRISH identified light chain-restricted GC more frequently than flow cytometry identified a monotypic B-cell population. Our findings highlight the potential for overinterpretation of light chain restriction in limited samplings such as fine needle aspiration cell blocks or core needle sampling and reinforce that interpretation of BRISH staining needs to occur in the context of the morphologic features including tissue architecture and results of additional immunohistochemical stains.

Cytologic diagnostic approach of pleuropulmonary blastoma: a case report

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a very rare pediatric lung tumor that arises in the pulmonary parenchyma, mediastinum, and pleura. The tumor has rapid disease progression and therefore the prognosis is remarkably poor. We reported a 4-year-old girl who complained of high fever and shortness of breath for the past 8 weeks. The patient was referred from the previous hospital with a pulmonary mass. CT scan of the chest with contrast showed a solid cystic mass with necrotic areas in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd segments of the left lung with sized 4.8 x 8.1 x 6.6 cm3. As the tumor mass was inoperable, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was conducted to diagnose the pulmonary lesion. We concluded that the lung tumor was a PPB based on FNAB cytology and immunocytochemistry staining. The histopathology feature of PPB appeared similar to fetal lung tissue. Cytologic features obtained from fine-needle aspiration cytology smears and cell blocks followed by immunocytochemistry assay could provide a proper and accurate diagnosis in an inoperable surgical pathology case.

Cobas HPV Genotyping of FNA Sample Supernatant and Frozen Section Scrapings of Suspected Head and Neck Cancer.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) status of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the head and neck is relevant for therapy planning, staging, and follow-up. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 is a surrogate marker of HPV status in oropharyngeal SCC, but not at other head and neck sites. We tested if the cobas HPV test was feasible and superior to p16-IHC on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) supernatants and frozen section (FS) scrapings of suspected SCC. A 500μL aliquots of postcentrifugation supernatant CytoRich Red media of FNA cellblock specimens and scrapings of FS suspended in SurePath media vials were tested with the cobas HPV test and compared with p16-IHC and/or HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) performed on cellblock and/or resections. Twenty-nine (n=29) FNAs were tested for a cobas HPV test, p16, and/or HPV-ISH. The mean collection to testing time was 6.3 days (range: 0 to 24d). Cobas yielded valid results in all cases; p16-IHC could not be interpreted in 4 (13%) cellblocks; correlation was performed on subsequent resections. Cohen κ correlation for cobas versus p16-IHC/HPV-ISH on FNA samples was 0.9, perfect agreement, sensitivity 100%, specificity 92.3%, positive predictive value 94.1%, negative predictive value 100%. Thirty-four (n=34) scrapings from FS were tested for cobas, p16, and/or HPV-ISH. The mean collection to testing time was 10.4 days (range: 1 to 28d). Cohen κ correlation for cobas versus p16-IHC/HPV-ISH on FS scrapings was 1, perfect agreement. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value was 100%. Cobas genotype was HPV-16 in 87%, HPV-18 in 3%, and HPV-other in 10%. Cobas HPV test in FNA supernatant and FS scrapings outperformed or was equivalent to p16-IHC and provided genotyping information.

Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of eccrine spiradenoma.

Eccrine spiradenoma (ES) is a rare benign cutaneous adnexal tumor. The aim of our study was to discuss the clinical presentation, cytomorphologic features, and differential diagnosis of a series of 3 cases of ES diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA). The pathology databases were searched for cases of ES diagnosed by FNA and confirmed by follow-up surgical excision. FNA smears, cell blocks, and histologic sections were examined. Three cases of ES that had presented as a soft tissue mass from 3 patients were reviewed. The sites included the left forearm, left leg, and left ankle. Cytology smears showed the presence of hypercellular 3-dimensional dense cell clusters and smaller loose cell aggregates, single cells, and bare nuclei. Most cells had round to oval nuclei, scant cytoplasm, and indistinct cell borders. A second population of cells had more spindled nuclei and were often dispersed as single cells. Scattered lymphocytes were present. Two cases showed the presence of pseudo-rosettes composed of hyaline globules of basement membrane-like material with a surrounding row of basaloid cells. None of the cases showed cytologic atypia, necrosis, or mitoses. Immunohistochemistry was used in 2 cases and showed positive staining with myoepithelial markers (smooth muscle actin, calponin, S100, and CK5). The cytology diagnoses were ES, basaloid cutaneous adnexal neoplasm, and suspicious for ES. FNA cytopathology of ES demonstrated banal basaloid and spindle cells, lymphocytes, and infrequent metachromatic-stained hyaline globules. A specific diagnosis requires immunohistochemistry testing to avoid confusion with other cutaneous basaloid neoplasms.

The diagnostic utility of ultrasound scanning, fine needle aspiration cytology and cell block technique in the pre-operative diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules

Journal of Diagnostic Pathology is a peer reviewed journal published biannually by the College of Pathologists of Sri Lanka. The journal publishes manuscripts dealing with all aspects of pathology. The aim of the journal is to update knowledge and encourage original research in the field of pathology.

Correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology and cell block study of category III, IV, and V (TBSRTC-2017) thyroid lesions with special reference to cytokeratin-19 immunohistochemical staining.

Ascertaining the role of cytokeratin-19 (CK19) and its staining pattern helps to differentiate papillary carcinoma from other thyroid lesions. To correlate fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and cell block study of equivocal cases (Category III, IV, and V) with the role of CK19 staining in it. A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was designed and conducted at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Shusrutnagar, Darjeeling. The FNAC performed and reported as per TBSRTC-2017.50 cases of Category III, IV, and V was selected for cell block study and CK19 staining followed by immunohistochemical scoring. Out of 50 cases, 17 were follicular neoplasm, 21 papillary carcinoma, 6 lymphocytic thyroiditis, 1 Hürthle cell adenoma, 1 medullary carcinoma, 1 lymphoma, and 3 undifferentiated carcinomas. Among cases of papillary carcinoma, 10 showed 4+ positivity, 9 showed 3+ positivity, 2 showed focal 1+ and 2+ positivity. In the case of follicular neoplasm, 1 showed 3+ positivity, 3 cases had 1+ 2+ positivity, and 13 cases revealed negative staining. Role of CK19 in distinguishing papillary carcinoma of thyroid from other lesions in cytologically diagnosed Category III, IV, and V (TBSRTC-2017) cases can be demonstrated.

Pulmonary actinomycosis: cytomorphological features.

Pulmonary actinomycosis is an uncommon infectious disease. Although the gold standard for diagnosis is histological examination with bacterial culture of lung tissue, cytology samples offer a fast and low-cost alternate diagnostic procedure. The cytology literature on this topic is limited to mostly case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review cytological material in a series of patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis to characterize the main cytomorphological findings. Different cytological respiratory samples including sputum smears, bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs), transthoracic or endobronchial fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and cell block preparations were used for retrospective examination. For all cases patient age, gender, symptoms, and radiological chest findings were recorded. A total of 26 cytological respiratory samples (14 sputum smears, 9 FNAC, two BALs) including direct smears and 6 cell blocks from 9 patients were examined. In sputum smears the most remarkable findings were the presence of dark cotton ball masses with projections like spider legs and/or mouse tails (75% of the samples). Sulfur granules were observed in 4 (40%) of the sputum smears and within FNAC cases. Various respiratory cytology samples including sputum smears, FNAC and BALs can reveal cytomorphological findings diagnostic of pulmonary actinomycosis. Characteristic cytological findings compatible with a diagnosis of this infection include cotton ball masses and less frequently sulfur granules.

Mitotic count of fine needle aspiration material of gastrointestinal stromal tumours of the stomach underestimates actual mitotic count.

A mitotic count is required for histological grading in resections of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). However, no consensus on the utility of mitotic count in fine needle aspiration (FNA) GIST material currently exists. This study examines the relationship between mitotic counts of FNAs and subsequent resections of GISTs of the stomach. We identified 39 cases of GISTs of the stomach diagnosed via FNA at our institution between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, with subsequent resection. We noted if rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) was performed. Cell block (CB) material from FNAs was analysed for total area, percentage containing neoplastic cells, and number of mitoses. We compared the mitotic counts in CBs and subsequent resections with t tests. ROSE was performed in 82% of cases and called adequate every time. Mean values for total CB area, neoplastic material percentage, and area of neoplastic cells were 54.7mm2 (range 1-986), 45% (range 10%-90%), and 19.2mm2 , respectively; 27 cases (69%) had greater than 50 high powered fields of GIST material in the CB. Mean numbers of mitoses per 5 mm2 were 0.38 (range 0-11) for CBs versus 5.92 (range 0-70) for resections (P<0.05). At our institution, ROSE adequacy of spindle cell lesions focuses on diagnosing GIST rather than obtaining adequate material for histological grading. Mitotic figures were statistically lower in FNA CB material than subsequent resections, and using mitotic counts from CB material may underestimate the histological grade of GISTs of the stomach.

Classic polymorphous adenocarcinoma: Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of eight cases.

The cytopathology and diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland (SG) polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the subject of a limited number of reports. We undertook a review of our experience with fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and PAC. A search was made of our cytopathology files for PAC cases that also had histopathological confirmation. FNA biopsy smears and cell-blocks were performed and examined using standard techniques. Eight FNA biopsy cases of histologically proven PAC from 7 patients [F:M=1.3:1, age 39-75years, mean=58] met study inclusion. Metastatic aspirates were most common (4), followed by 3 primary cases and 1 locally recurrent neoplasm. Primary FNA sites included hard palate (1 case), lip (1), and lateral tongue (1); all metastatic sites were in the neck. A precise cytologic diagnosis was made in 38% of cases; however, when applying the Milan classification system, 100% could be categorised as either malignant or of uncertain malignant potential. Ancillary immunohistochemical testing performed in 44% of the cases was non-specific. Cytologic smears showed cellular uniformity and structural variety of cell groups with tubular, branching, cribriform, and convex patterns as well as variable, but occasionally abundant globular myxoid stroma leading to confusion with adenoid cystic carcinoma. The imitative cytopathology of PAC with other SG neoplasms as well as its infrequency in routine FNA biopsy practice makes specific interpretation difficult, but using a classification system allows for appropriate patient management. Molecular testing in future specimens holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Diagnosis of Senile Amyloidosis by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy and Cell Block from Abdominal Fat Pad

Background: Amyloidosis is menacingly increasing medical problem in aging population across globe. Its clinical presentation is varied. Its laboratory diagnosis often requires biopsy material. The fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC, FNAB) offers dependable diagnostic alternative to cumbersome biopsy. Present protocol describes the FNAC of abdominal pad of fat as surrogate site for diagnosis of senile systemic amyloidosis avoiding biopsy other known sites. &#x0D; Aim: To study diagnostic accuracy of subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy for detecting systemic (senile) amyloidosis and its utility in clinical practice.&#x0D; Objectives:&#x0D; &#x0D; To diagnose systemic amyloidosis (senile) by fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy of abdominal fat pad on crush smears of aspirates and cell blocks.&#x0D; To correlate the diagnosis of deposits of amyloid with the clinical manifestations in specific and non specific clinical manifestations of amyloidosis.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; To know the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of amyloid deposition on fine needle aspiration cytology/biopsy of abdominal fat pad in comparison to the results of cell block preparations.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: A prospective study carried out to compare results of FNAC of abdominal pad of fat with paraffin embedded cell block in diagnosis of amyloidosis in suspected cases of cases of senile systemic amyloidosis. Technical adopted methods to be used are regular tissue stains, congo red stain and polarized microscopy. &#x0D; Expected Results: It is expected that results of study will establish FNAC of abdominal pad of fat as dependable office diagnostic procedure that would avoid complicated biopsy procedures of gastrointestinal tissue, skin, bone marrow and others for senile systemic amyloidosis.

Diagnostic efficacy cell block method of transthoracic fine needle aspiration in diagnosis of lung cancer

BackgroundLung cancer is still the main cause of cancer deaths. The high lung cancer mortality rate is caused by a diagnosis factor or therapy selection. The cell block cytology technique using fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples can provide immunocytochemical material that plays an important role in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer subtypes and in determining immunotherapy administration. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of transthoracic FNA (TTFNA) cell block cytology in comparison with bronchial washing smears and TTFNA smears in diagnosing lung cancer. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional diagnostic study involving 26 subjects. All subjects had undergone bronchial washing and CT scan-guided fine needle aspiration followed by cell block preparation. Both direct FNA smears and cell blocks are useful in the diagnostic work-up of patients. Comparative statistical analysis of TTFNA cell block versus bronchial washing smear and TTFNA smear cytology was carried out using the McNemar test. ResultsLung cancer was found in 15 patients (57.7%) using the TTFNA cell block technique. The sensitivity and specificity of the TTFNA cell block technique were 85.7% and 75%, respectively. There was no difference in the positivity value between TTFNA cell block technique of bronchial wash smear technique, and TTFNA smear on lung cancer diagnosis (p&gt;0.05). ConclusionsTransthoracic fine-needle aspiration in combination with the cell block technique has good sensitivity and specificity. The TTFNA can be used for immunocytochemical examinations in lung cancer diagnosis and therapy. This approach is valuable for providing individualized treatment and prognostic evaluations.

Cell Block and Its Impact in the Diagnosis of Jaw Lesions over Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Objectives: To determine the role and efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and cell block in diagnosis of jaw lesions and compare the agreement between FNAC and cell block to predict the diagnosis. Method: The sample comprised 51 cases, including 12 odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), 8 ameloblastomas, 22 radicular cysts, 7 dentigerous cysts, and 1 each of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). FNAC samples remaining after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained cytosmear diagnosis were centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was discarded and sediment mixed with 2–3 mL alcohol and filtered. To this, 10% formalin was added, filtered, taken for routine processing, and stained with H&E. The result of FNAC smear and cell block was compared with histopathological diagnosis. Results: On cytological examination of the smears, 7 OKCs and 22 radicular cysts were diagnosed, whereas ameloblastomas, AOT, intraosseous MEC, and dentigerous cysts were not. This gave an agreement of 56.8% with the biopsy reports. Cell block sections stained with H&E of 12 OKCs, 22 radicular cysts, 1 MEC, and 3 cases of ameloblastoma offered a diagnosis in accordance with the biopsies giving an agreement of 74.5%, while dentigerous cyst and AOT failed to do so. In comparison with FNAC, additionally 5 cases of OKC and 1 of MEC could be detected, and in ameloblastoma, out of 8 cases, only 3 yielded a concordant diagnosis through the cell block technique. Conclusion: In comparison with FNAC, the architectural pattern and the morphology of the cells were better preserved by the cell block technique. This substantiates that cell block could be used as an ancillary technique to aid in definitive diagnosis of head and neck swellings.

Cytopathology of solitary fibrous tumor: a series of 34 cases

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a fibroblastic neoplasm characterized by a specific genetic alteration (NAB2-STAT6 fusion) and relatively specific immunohistochemical profile (STAT6/CD34 positivity), is seldom the subject of cytopathology data. We report our experience with scrape smears and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of SFT in a large patient cohort. A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). FNA biopsy smears, imprint smears, and cell blocks were performed and examined using standard technique. Thirty-four cases from 30 patients (M:F = 1.1:1; age range: 24-86 years, x = 58 years) met inclusion criteria for this study. All patients had prior or subsequent tissue confirmation of SFT. Twenty-seven (79%) specimens were FNAs, and 7 (21%) were scrape smears. Most cases (29, 85%) represented primary tumors, 4 (12%) were metastatic deposits, and 1 (3.5%) was a locally recurrent neoplasm. Sites included: pleura/lung 9 (26%), head/neck 8 (24%), lower extremity 7 (21%), trunk 4 (12%), intra-abdominal 3 (9%), upper extremity 2 (7%), and mediastinum 1 (4%). Mean tumor size was 7.2 cm (range: 1.5-19 cm). Three (9%) cases were diagnosed specifically as SFT. Remaining diagnoses were spindle cell neoplasm/proliferation 14 (41%), nondiagnostic 5 (15%), specific type of sarcoma 3 (9%), malignant round cell tumor 2 (6%), sarcoma 2 (6%), malignant tumor 2 (6%) and single cases of melanoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and mesenchymal tumor. Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing was performed in 7 of 27 (26%) cell blocks. SFT FNA cytopathology is morphologically ambiguous, overlapping with a broad array of other spindle cell proliferations. A specific diagnosis is only possible with added staining of STAT6 coupled with a set of other IHC markers.

SalvGlandDx – a comprehensive salivary gland neoplasm specific next generation sequencing panel to facilitate diagnosis and identify therapeutic targets

Diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms is often challenging due to their high morphological diversity and overlaps. Several recurrent molecular alterations have been described recently, which can serve as powerful diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic targets (e.g. NTRK or RET fusions). However, current sequential molecular testing can be expensive and time consuming. In order to facilitate the diagnosis of salivary gland neoplasms, we designed an all-in-one RNA-based next generation sequencing panel suitable for the detection of mutations, fusions and gene expression levels (including NR4A3) of 27 genes involved in salivary gland neoplasms. Here we present the validation of the “SalvGlandDx” panel on FFPE histological specimen including fine needle aspiration (FNA) cell block material, against the standard methods currently used at our institution. In a second part we describe selected unique cases in which the SalvGlandDx panel allowed proper diagnosis and new insights into special molecular characteristics of selected salivary gland tumors. We characterize a unique salivary gland adenocarcinoma harboring a ZCCHC7-NTRK2 fusion, a highly uncommon spindle cell and pseudoangiomatoid adenoid-cystic carcinoma with MYBL1-NFIB fusion, and a purely oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma, whereas diagnosis could be made by detection of a CRTC3-MAML2 rearrangement on the cell block specimen of the FNA. Further, a rare case of a SS18-ZBTB7A rearranged low-grade adenocarcinoma previously described as potential spectrum of microsecretory adenocarcinoma, is reported. In addition, features of six cases within the spectrum of polymorphous adenocarcinoma / cribriform adenocarcinoma of salivary gland including PRKD1 p.E710D mutations and novel fusions involving PRKAR2A-PRKD1, SNX9-PRKD1 and ATL2-PRKD3, are described.

Detection of Malignant Cases From Focal Liver Masses by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block

Detection of Malignant Cases From Focal Liver Masses by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Cell Block

Cytopathology of myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma: a series of eight cases and review of the literature

Myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma (MIFS) is a rare low-grade sarcoma presenting as a slow-growing mass that occurs mainly in the distal extremities of adults. Relatively little is known about the cytopathology of MIFS. We evaluated cytologic characteristics of MIFS on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as MIFS. FNA biopsy smears and cell-block were performed and examined using standard technique. Eight cases were retrieved from patients aged 22-90 years (mean, 56 years), and M:F ratio of 1:1. Six tumors (75%) were primary, and 2 (25%) locally recurrent. Distal lower limb was involved in all but one case (88%). One (13%) recurrent case was correctly diagnosed cytologically as MIFS; remaining single diagnoses were varied: myxofibrosarcoma, low-grade sarcoma, malignant neoplasm, myxoid neoplasm, atypical fibrohistiocytic neoplasm, atypical cells with chronic inflammation, and spindle cells with atypia. Among 7 cases with available cytologic slides for review, common features were spindle cells with variable atypia (100%), rare virocyte/Reed-Sternberg -like cells (86%), background mixed inflammation (71%), and variable myxoid stroma (57%). Pseudolipoblasts and multinucleated giant cells were rare. Hemosiderin and branching capillaries were largely absent. Immunohistochemistry was non-specific. MIFS was accurately interpreted in only 13% of cases; remaining cases were diagnosed as atypical or malignant, which would lead to proper management. A specific cytologic diagnosis of MIFS using FNA is extremely difficult in our experience due to an absence of distinctive cytomorphology and specific immunophenotype.