Nuclear atypia

Nuclear atypia is abnormal change of the cell nucleus. Nuclear atypia is often seen in malignancy; however, it may be seen in benign conditions - notably inflammation.

Atypical nuclei and stromal desmoplasia in colorectal adenocarcinoma. H&E stain.

Cancer with minimal nuclear atypia

An incomplete list:

• Low grade papillary urothelial carcinoma.
• Some adenocarcinomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract, e.g. gallbladder adenocarcinoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma.
• Verrucous squamous cell carcinoma.
• Some malignant melanomas.

See also

• Nuclear pleomorphism.
• Reactive atypia.