title: Ascitic fluid cytology of yolk sac tumor of the ovary: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Yolk sac tumor (YST) of the ovary is a rare neoplasm typically affecting children and young women. We describe the cytomorphology of this tumor in ascitic fluid and discuss its differential diagnosis from other neoplasms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Smear preparations of the ascitic fluid showed a predominance of clusters of malignant cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, mimicking a mucinous adenocarcinoma, and fewer syncytial-like and glandular structures. Hyaline globules were extremely rare. Immunocytochemistry was positive for alpha-fetoprotein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diagnosis of YST in ascitic fluid specimens may be challenging and requires the use of immunocytochemistry and the correlation of cytology with the remaining clinical and laboratory data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cytopathology, Laiko General Hospital Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Efthalia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Petrakakou
authors.forename: Dimitra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grapsa
authors.forename: Maria-Efi
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Stergiou
authors.forename: Panagiota
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mikou
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsarpalis
authors.forename: Aris
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Polyzos
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giahnaki
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ioakim-Liossi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000473:pathology*; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D018240:Endodermal Sinus Tumor / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D010503:Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins