Nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio
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Nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, also nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, is the relative size of the nucleus to the cytoplasm. It is commonly abbreviated NC ratio.
Cells with a high NC ratio (small cell carcinoma).
High NC ratio is a strong predictor of malignancy.[1] Like very rule, there are exceptions.
NC ratio is a better predictor of malignancy than increased nuclear size.
High NC ratio in normal cells
- Lymphocytes.
Low NC ratio in cancer
- Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Acinic cell carcinoma.
- Many others.
High NC ratio in cancer
The classic malignant high NC ratio cell is small cell carcinoma, which is in the large small round cell tumour group.
- Many other tumours - see A long differential diagnosis of small blue cell tumours.
- Preoperative treatment may increase NC ratio - example: pituitary adenoma under bromocriptine treatment.[2]
Atypical cells with a normal NC ratio
- Radiation changes - clinical history is important!
- Many tumours.
See also
References
- ↑ Mehrotra, R.; Gupta, A.; Singh, M.; Ibrahim, R. (2006). "Application of cytology and molecular biology in diagnosing premalignant or malignant oral lesions.". Mol Cancer 5: 11. doi:10.1186/1476-4598-5-11. PMID 16556320.
- ↑ Nissim, M.; Ambrosi, B.; Bernasconi, V.; Giannattasio, G.; Giovanelli, MA.; Bassetti, M.; Vaccari, U.; Moriondo, P. et al. "Bromocriptine treatment of macroprolactinomas: studies on the time course of tumor shrinkage and morphology.". J Endocrinol Invest 5 (6): 409-15. doi:10.1007/BF03350542. PMID 7169515.