Aspiration cytology of the oncocytic variant of papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland.
OBJECTIVE
To study the cytologic features of the oncocytic variant of papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland to distinguish this subtype from other oncocytic lesions of the thyroid.


METHODS
We reviewed the smears from aspiration biopsies of 6 proven cases of oncocytic variant of papillary adenocarcinoma and compared their cytologic features with smears from 19 oncocytic follicular neoplasms (11 adenocarcinomas and 8 adenomas). Smears were stained with a modified Giemsa stain (Diff-Quik).


RESULTS
All smears were cellular. Colloid was variable but more abundant in cases of the oncocytic variant of papillary adenocarcinoma. The cells in papillary adenocarcinoma had round to ovoid, overlapped nuclei; prominent intranuclear inclusions; and "grooves." Nucleoli were generally absent. In oncocytic follicular neoplasms, the cells had round nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Nuclear inclusions and grooves were seen but were not as prevalent as in papillary adenocarcinomas.


CONCLUSIONS
The oncocytic variant of papillary adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland can be distinguished from other oncocytic lesions by fine needle aspiration biopsy, whereas the absence of prominent nucleoli in oncocytes favors the diagnosis of an oncocytic papillary adenocarcinoma.
Moreira
André L
AL
Division of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA. andre.moreira@med.nyu.edu
Waisman
Jerry
J
Cangiarella
Joan F
JF
D000231:Adenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D000236:Adenoma / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002466:Cell Nucleolus / Q000473:pathology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024862:Oxyphil Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*