Granulocytic sarcoma presenting as a retroperitoneal lymph node mass. A case report with diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy and flow cytometry.
BACKGROUND
Granulocytic sarcoma is a localized tumor of myeloblasts occurring at an extramedullary site. It is a rare lesion and may be confused with large cell lymphoma on fine needle aspiration biopsy.


METHODS
This case demonstrated a rare case of granulocytic sarcoma presenting as a retroperitoneal lymph node mass. Diagnosis was made by a combination of fine needle aspiration cytology and flow cytometry.


CONCLUSIONS
The cytologic features of granulocytic sarcoma are indicative of the correct diagnosis, but confusion between this lesion and large cell lymphoma may occur. Flow cytometric studies may be quite useful in arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Mockli
G
G
New Hampshire Medical Laboratories, Manchester 03103, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012186:Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis*