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.

High NC ratio is strong predictor of malignancy.[1] Like very rule, there are exceptions.

High NC ratio in normal cells

  • Lymphocytes.

Low NC ratio in cancer

High NC ratio in cancer

The classic malignant high NC ratio cell is small cell carcinoma, which is in the small round cell tumour group.

  • Many other tumours.

Atypical cells with a normal NC ratio

See also

References

  1. 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.