4- Principles of cytology

Question 1

Name the 3 neoplastic cell types

Answer 1

Epithelial, Mesenchymal, Round

Question 2

Name 2 cellular cytological criteria of malignancy

Answer 2

Cells ‘alien’ to position in which they are found
Pleomorphism within a cell type
Monomorphic cell population where there should be variation
High nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio

Question 3

Name 2 nuclear criteria of malignancy

Answer 3

Variation in shape/size
Multiple, fragmented or moulded nuclei
Clumped chromatin
Multiple nucleoli - blue dots
Abnormal mitotic figures

Question 4

What is the 4 most common causes of lymphadenopathy? (LN enlargement)

Answer 4

Lymphoma
Reactive hyperplasia
Lymphadenitis
Metastatic neoplasia

Question 5

What is seen in lymphadenitis? (cellular context)

Answer 5

Increased neutrophils or eosinophils
Macrophages
Inflammatory cells may be increased or replace normal structure

Question 6

What is seen in reactive hyperplasia? (cellular context)

Answer 6

Lymphocytes are being generated - 75-95% small lymphocytes

Few neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells

Question 7

What is seen in lymphoma? (cellular context)

Answer 7

Increased % of large immature lymphocytes (>50%)
More tangible body macrophages
Histology usually required to confirm

Question 8

Name 2 cytoplasmic criteria of malignancy

Answer 8

basophilia/ hyperchromasia- dark blue colour
There may be vacuolation, granularity or phagocytosis of other cells

Question 9

what is lymphadenitis

Answer 9

inflamed and enlarged lymph nodes. It is usually due to an infection