Neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells. A feature to consider in the differential diagnosis in fine needle aspiration smears.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells in fine needle aspirate (FNA) smears from different types of tumor.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Neutrophilic phagocytosis by tumor cells is seen in FNA smears and on cytomorphology. The differential diagnoses should include both pleomorphic sarcomas and carcinomas.
Gupta
Nalini
N
Department of Cytopathology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Srinivasan
Radhika
R
Nijhawan
Raje
R
Rajwanshi
Arvind
A
D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D018286:Carcinoma, Giant Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D051677:Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology