Gastrointestinal cytopathology
Gastrointestinal cytopathology, also known as GI cytology, is a relatively small part of cytopathology.
This article deals only with gastrointestinal cytopathology. An introduction to cytopathology is in the cytopathology article. Histopathology of the gastrointestinal tract is dealt with in gastrointestinal pathology.
Liver
Brief DDx:
- Metastatic adenocarcinoma, usu. colorectal adenocarcinoma.
- Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Others:
- Cholangiocarcinoma - usu. adenocarcinoma NOS, i.e. non-specific.
- Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.
- Angiomyolipoma.
Normal liver
Cytology
Features:
- Hepatocytes:
- Abundant cytoplasm
- central nucleus +/- binucleation.
- +/-Yellow granular pigment (bile).
- Bile ductules between adjacent cells.
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Main article: Hepatocellular carcinoma
Cytology
Features:
- Architecture - single cells and large clusters:
- Cohesive clusters of cells (hepatocytes) surrounded by endothelial cells - diagnostic.[1]
- Capillaries traversing the fragments.
- Cells:
- Central nucleus +/-prominent nucleoli,[2] +/-nuclear inclusions.
- +/-Multinucleation.
- +/-Yellow cytoplasmic pigment (bile).
- +/-Nuclear atypia.
- +/-High NC ratio.
Notes:
- Low grade HCC is composed of cytologically normal appearing cells; the arrangement is what is diagnostic of malignancy.[1]
Images:
Cholangiocarcinoma
Main article: Cholangiocarcinoma
Cytology
Features:
- Looks like an adenocarcinoma:
- Eccentric nuclei, one nucleolus per cell, abundant cytoplasm, nuclear size var. cell-to-cell, irregular nuclear membrane, irregular/uneven chromatin pattern.
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Main article: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
General
- Rare.
Cytology
Features:
- Large atypical cells with:
- Nuclear inclusions
- Moderate cytoplasm.
- +/-Multinucleation.
IHC
- Factor VIII +ve.
Common bile duct
Normal:
- Monolayer of small blue cells.
Notes:
- Caution is advised when calling malignancy in the setting of a stent or stones.
Adenocarcinoma
Features:
- Hyperchromasia.
- Pencil-shaped nuclei.
- Nuclear membrane irregularities.
Images:
Stomach
- May be difficult to distinguish from pancreas ductal epithelium.[3]
Small bowel
Epithelium:[3]
- Small blue cells.
- Goblet cells - key feature.
Notes:
- May appear to be similar to stomach and pancreatic duct.[3]
Esophagus
- Cytology may be done to look for candida.
- Report should comment on the presence of candida - if it is seen.
A short DDx:
Pancreas
A short DDx:
- Cystic lesions:
- Others:
Mucinous tumours
Features:
- Mucin.
Image:
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm
Main article: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm
Cytology
Features:[5]
- Small cells with:
- Scant cytoplasm.
- +/-Nuclear grooves.
- Papillary formations.
IHC
- PR +ve.
- Beta-catenin +ve.
- CD10 +ve.
Others:
- Chromogranin A -ve.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour
Main article: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour
Cytology
Features:
- Round nuclei with granular chromatin.
- Moderate nuclear size variation.
IHC
- Chromogranin A +ve.
- Synaptophysin +ve.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lefkowitch, Jay H. (2006). Anatomic Pathology Board Review (1st ed.). Saunders. pp. 679. ISBN 978-1416025887.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 URL: http://moon.ouhsc.edu/kfung/jty1/CytoLearn/CytoQuiz/CQ-021-040/CQ-034-M.htm. Accessed on: 9 April 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Lefkowitch, Jay H. (2006). Anatomic Pathology Board Review (1st ed.). Saunders. pp. 680 (Q23). ISBN 978-1416025887.
- ↑ URL: http://moon.ouhsc.edu/kfung/jty1/OPAQ/PNPT/PN-NS01-Ans.htm. Accessed on: 22 February 2012.
- ↑ URL: http://moon.ouhsc.edu/kfung/jty1/CytoLearn/CytoQuiz/CQ-021-040/CQ-029-M.htm. Accessed on: 9 April 2012.