CT CT Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Question 1

Which cytomorphologic feature is most important for assessing adequacy of a thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimen according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 groups of well-preserved follicular cells with ≥10 cells per group

Answer

A satisfactory thyroid FNA requires at least 6 groups of well-preserved follicular cells with a minimum of 10 cells per group, though exceptions apply for clearly malignant specimens.

Question 2

On FNA of a thyroid nodule, cells arranged in a 'honeycomb' sheet pattern with round nuclei and granular chromatin surrounded by abundant colloid are most consistent with which diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Benign follicular nodule/adenomatoid goiter

Answer

Benign follicular nodules show sheets of uniform follicular cells in a honeycomb arrangement with background colloid, flat nuclei, and absent nuclear grooves.

Question 3

Which combination of nuclear features is pathognomonic for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) on FNA cytology?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear grooves, intranuclear pseudoinclusions, and powdery chromatin

Answer

PTC is characterized by the triad of nuclear grooves (coffee bean nuclei), intranuclear cytoplasmic pseudoinclusions, and ground-glass/powdery chromatin (Orphan Annie nuclei).

Question 4

In breast FNA cytology, which finding is associated with a fibroadenoma rather than carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Tightly cohesive staghorn clusters ('antler' pattern) with bare nuclei in background

Answer

Fibroadenomas classically yield cohesive staghorn/antler-like epithelial clusters, stromal fragments, and bare bipolar nuclei in the background without single atypical cells.

Question 5

FNA of a neck mass in a 30-year-old yields fluid with cholesterol crystals, anucleate squamous cells, and amorphous debris. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Branchial cleft cyst

Answer

Branchial cleft cysts classically yield turbid fluid containing anucleate squamous cells, cholesterol crystals, and keratinous debris without malignant cells.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT CT Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology