Spindle cell

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Spindle cells in a MPNST. (WC)
Spindle cells in a leiomyosarcoma. (WC)

Spindle cell is a histomorphologic descriptor used in pathology.

Definition

It refers to a cell that is tapered at both ends.[1]

Notes:

  • A taper gradually decreases toward one end [of the cross-section or width].[2]
  • Spindle cells can have "pointy" ends (typical for nerves) or "rounded" ends (typical for muscle), i.e. be ellipitcal or vesica piscis.

Subtyping spindle cells by H&E

Spindle cells can often be subtyped based on H&E:[3]

  • Fibroblast = blue.
  • Smooth muscle = deep pink.
  • Myofibroblast = purple.

Images

Shapes

See also

References

  1. URL: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25657. Accessed on: 2 February 2011.
  2. URL: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/taper. Accessed on: 3 February 2011.
  3. Chan, JK. (Feb 2014). "The wonderful colors of the hematoxylin-eosin stain in diagnostic surgical pathology.". Int J Surg Pathol 22 (1): 12-32. doi:10.1177/1066896913517939. PMID 24406626.

External links