Cytologic features of NK/T-cell lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the diagnostic cytologic features of NK/T-cell lymphoma.


METHODS
The cytologic features of 3 cases of natural killer cell (NK)/T-cell lymphoma were studied and correlated with histology. Immunohistochemistry for CD56, T-cell intracellular antigen (TIA-1) and EBV-encoded small nuclear RNAs (EBER) in situ hybridization was reviewed.


RESULTS
The lymphomas have mixed-sized cells with eccentric, round to ovoid nuclei; 1 or 2 prominent nucleoli; and abundant, clear to pale, eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitotic figures, necrotic debris and tingible body macrophages are common accompaniments. In fluid, the lymphoma cells appear more shrunken. A clot section of 1 case was positive for CD56, TIA-1 and EBER.


CONCLUSIONS
Helpful cytologic features for the diagnosis of NK/T-cell lymphoma are described. Immunohistochemistry for CD56, TIA-1 and EBER in situ hybridization are very helpful adjuncts for the diagnosis.
Chan
Amy Bik-Wan
AB
Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, S.A.R., People's Republic of China. amychan@cuhk.edu.hk
Chan
Wing-Yee
WY
Chow
John Hei-Sing
JH
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016399:Lymphoma, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D000074019:T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019002:CD56 Antigen; C099537:Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA 1; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D039102:Poly(A)-Binding Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012367:RNA, Viral; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D000074019:T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1; C071558:TIA1 protein, human