Ascitic fluid cytology of yolk sac tumor of the ovary: a case report.
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.
Petrakakou
Efthalia
E
Department of Cytopathology, Laiko General Hospital Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece.
Grapsa
Dimitra
D
Stergiou
Maria-Efi
ME
Mikou
Panagiota
P
Tsarpalis
Dimitris
D
Polyzos
Aris
A
Giahnaki
Anna
A
Ioakim-Liossi
Anna
A
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
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins