CT CT Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology 2

Question 1

FNA of a salivary gland mass yields clusters of cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, well-defined cell borders, round nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and background mucoid stroma. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Pleomorphic adenoma

Answer

Pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumor) is characterized by epithelial cells embedded in magenta-colored chondromyxoid stroma, a combination pathognomonic for this diagnosis.

Question 2

On FNA of a lymph node, the finding of a monotonous population of small lymphoid cells with scant cytoplasm, round nuclei, and clumped chromatin is most suspicious for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Small lymphocytic lymphoma/CLL

Answer

A monomorphic small lymphocyte population without the mixed spectrum of reactive lymph nodes suggests small lymphocytic lymphoma or CLL, requiring flow cytometry confirmation.

Question 3

Which cytomorphologic feature in a pancreatic FNA best distinguishes adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Drunken honeycomb pattern with nuclear enlargement, irregular spacing, and anisonucleosis

Answer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma shows a 'drunken honeycomb' pattern with irregular nuclear spacing, size variation, and membrane irregularity, contrasting with the orderly arrangement of benign ductal cells.

Question 4

FNA of a lung mass in a 65-year-old smoker shows single cells with abundant dense cytoplasm, intercellular bridges, and keratinization. What is the most likely cytologic diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung shows keratinization, intercellular bridges, dense orangeophilic cytoplasm, and single malignant squamous cells with irregular hyperchromatic nuclei.

Question 5

Which characteristic feature distinguishes small cell carcinoma of the lung from lymphoma on FNA cytology?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear molding and crush artifact with Azzopardi effect (DNA encrustation)

Answer

Small cell carcinoma shows nuclear molding (cells conforming to each other's shapes), crush artifact, and the Azzopardi effect (DNA streaking along vessel walls), features absent in lymphoma.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT CT Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology 2