Cytological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma with tall cells on ThinPrep liquid-based cytology.

TitleCytological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma with tall cells on ThinPrep liquid-based cytology.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsBaum JE, Soong L, Scognamiglio T, Margolskee EM, Hoda RS, Rao R
JournalDiagn Cytopathol
Volume47
Issue6
Pagination541-546
Date Published2019 Jun
ISSN1097-0339
KeywordsCell Nucleus, Cytodiagnosis, Female, Humans, Liquid Biopsy, Male, Middle Aged, Thyroid Cancer, Papillary, Thyroid Gland, Thyroid Neoplasms
Abstract

BACKGROUND: The tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC-TC) has been associated with aggressive features including extrathyroidal extension, higher rate of lymph node and distant metastases, and higher recurrence rate. We aimed to evaluate the cytomorphologic features of PTC-TC on ThinPrep (TP) along with its diagnostic efficacy to detect PTC-TC.

METHODS: Preoperative cytology samples from 30 cases of histologically-proven PTC-TC and 30 classical PTC controls were selected for this study. TP preparations were evaluated for varying architectural and cytomorphologic features.

RESULTS: Tall cells were present in the majority of PTC-TC cases and were located at the periphery of cell clusters and as single cells. Cytoplasmic cuff along the periphery of cell clusters and soap-bubble pseudoinclusions were very specific features of PTC-TC, when present. PTC-TC cases were more likely to show abundant oncocytic cytoplasm and distinct cell borders. Cytoplasmic tails were more likely to be present and more numerous in PTC-TC. The presence of nuclear grooves, papillary architecture, and giant cells were not reliable distinguishing features of PTC-TC vs controls.

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that tall cell cytomorphologic and architectural features in PTC are identifiable on TP.

DOI10.1002/dc.24146
Alternate JournalDiagn Cytopathol
PubMed ID30648353
Related Faculty: 
Theresa Scognamiglio, M.D.

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