Naoto Kuroda1, Masahiko Ohara1, Yukari Wada1, Kaori Yasuoka1, Keiko Mizuno1, Kenji Yorita1, Chiho Obayashi2, Kengo Takeuchi3. 1. Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kochi Red Cross Hospital, Kochi, Japan. 2. Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. 3. Pathology Project for Molecular Targets, the Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation of Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: ALK-rearranged lung cancer has been recently identified. Although signet-ring cell morphology and mucinous cribriform pattern are considered to be characteristic of ALK-rearranged lung cancer. Some studies have also suggested cytological features. METHODS: This study investigated cytological features of ALK-rearranged lung cancer in eight patients. RESULTS: Cytologically, the tumor cell group varied from isolated to large clusters. Small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove were observed in all patients. Furthermore, extracellular and intracellular mucin and signet-ring cells were identified in five patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the presence of extracellular and intracellular mucin, signet-ring cells, small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove in cytological samples may be a diagnostic clue for ALK-rearranged lung cancer.
BACKGROUND:ALK-rearranged lung cancer has been recently identified. Although signet-ring cell morphology and mucinous cribriform pattern are considered to be characteristic of ALK-rearranged lung cancer. Some studies have also suggested cytological features. METHODS: This study investigated cytological features of ALK-rearranged lung cancer in eight patients. RESULTS: Cytologically, the tumor cell group varied from isolated to large clusters. Small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove were observed in all patients. Furthermore, extracellular and intracellular mucin and signet-ring cells were identified in five patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the presence of extracellular and intracellular mucin, signet-ring cells, small nucleoli, fine granular to vesicular chromatin, and nuclear groove in cytological samples may be a diagnostic clue for ALK-rearranged lung cancer.