Spindle cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung: report of a case with fine needle aspiration cytology and differential diagnostic considerations.
BACKGROUND
Spindle cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung may be frequently observed on fine needle cytology (FNC) samples and often pose stimulating differential diagnostic problems.


METHODS
The cytopathologic findings from FNC performed on a long-standing coin lesion of the lung in a 54-year-old woman were analyzed in view of the data and long clinical history.


CONCLUSIONS
A final diagnosis of low grade spindle cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was reached by combining cytopathologic and immunocytochemical information. The main lesions considered in the differential diagnosis were intrapulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (fibrohistiocytic variant) and spindle cell thymoma.
Fulciniti
Franco
F
Cytopathology Service, Department of Pathology Fondazione G. Pascale National Tumor Institute, Naples, Italy. fulcinit@unina.it
La Vecchia
Franca
F
Staiano
Maria
M
Tatangelo
Fabiana
F
De Rosa
Vincenzo
V
Rocco
Gaetano
G
La Rocca
Antonello
A
Botti
Gerardo
G
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D048430:Cell Shape / Q000502:physiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor