title: Fine-needle aspiration cytology of pleomorphic carcinomas of the lung.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) is a rare pulmonary malignancy. Because of its rarity and histological heterogeneity, cytopathologists might suspect PC only rarely on the basis of its cytological specimen. In addition, cytological findings from fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens have rarely been described. Hence, we investigated the cytological features of FNA in the cases of PC.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed 7 FNA specimens of PC. The patients had undergone surgical resection at the Korea Cancer Center Hospital between 2007 and 2011. The cytological features of PC were assessed and compared with the histopathological features of the corresponding surgical specimen. Immunocytochemical analysis with cytokeratin and vimentin was performed on the cell blocks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The tumor cells were either dispersed or arranged in loose aggregates, and generally lacked any glandular or squamous differentiation. Pleomorphic or spindle shape tumor cells were observed, and mono-, bi-, or multi-nucleated giant cells were frequently observed. The background showed necrosis and contained numerous lymphocytes and neutrophils. Immunocytochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PC displays characteristic cytological features. It might therefore be possible to make an accurate diagnosis of PC by assessing the degree of nuclear atypia.
authors: Department of Pathology, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea.
authors: Hee Seung
authors: HS
authors: Choi
authors: Hyesil
authors: H
authors: Seol
authors: Il Yeong
authors: IY
authors: Heo
authors: Chang Won
authors: CW
authors: Jung
authors: Soo Youn
authors: SY
authors: Cho
authors: Sunhoo
authors: S
authors: Park
authors: Jae Soo
authors: JS
authors: Koh
authors: Seung-Sook
authors: SS
authors: Lee
keywords: Cytology; Lung; Pleomorphic carcinoma