A cytologic perspective on meibomian gland carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To reevaluate and reestablish the reproducible diagnostic cytomorphologic features of meibomian gland carcinoma (MGCA), demonstrating the importance of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in eyelid lesions and leading to better management of the tumor.


METHODS
Cytologic smears ofpreviously diagnosed cases of MGCA over a 3-year period were collected, along with their histopathology reports. The cytomorphology of the histopathologically proven cases were reevaluated in greater detail. The cytologic smears were stained with Leishman-Giemsa cocktail and Papanicolaou stain, and the histopathologic sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Special stains and immunohistochemical stains were applied as required.


RESULTS
Of the 19 cases, 3 diagnosed as MGCA on cytologic examination were reported as basal cell carcinoma on histopathology. On reevaluation of the cytologic smears, in addition to the regular characteristic features of MGCA, interesting findings such as an isolated dispersed cell population in a bubbly background, signet ring cells, pseudo-mucin cell balls, giant cell reaction and hyaline-like round bodies were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes the cytomorphologic features of MGCA in addition to those described in the literature, which could be of a great help in its diagnosis. Further, it emphasizes the importance of FNAC in the diagnosis of MGCA.
Garbyal
Rajendra S
RS
Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. rajgarbyal@yahoo.com
Gupta
Prajwala
P
Kumar
Mohan
M
Bohra
Anshu
A
Chaube
Amita
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology*; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000502:physiology; D017043:Chalazion / Q000473:pathology*; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005142:Eyelid Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008537:Meibomian Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards