CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology

Question 1

Which type of lung carcinoma is most commonly identified in sputum cytology specimens due to its central airway location?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma arises centrally near major bronchi and sheds cells into sputum more readily than peripheral tumors like adenocarcinoma.

Question 2

Creola bodies found in respiratory cytology specimens are clusters of ciliated bronchial epithelial cells most associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Asthma

Answer

Creola bodies are tight clusters of bronchial epithelial cells with visible cilia shed due to airway inflammation, classically associated with asthma.

Question 3

Which cytomorphologic feature is MOST characteristic of small cell carcinoma in bronchial brushing specimens?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear molding and salt-and-pepper chromatin

Answer

Small cell carcinoma displays nuclear molding, scant cytoplasm, finely granular neuroendocrine 'salt-and-pepper' chromatin, and frequent apoptotic bodies.

Question 4

Ferruginous bodies (asbestos bodies) identified in sputum cytology indicate prior exposure to which agent?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos fibers

Answer

Ferruginous bodies are asbestos fibers coated with an iron-protein complex, forming golden-brown beaded rods visible in sputum from exposed individuals.

Question 5

Which cytologic feature BEST distinguishes reactive type II pneumocytes from pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells in BAL specimens?

Accepted Answer

Cohesive flat sheets with uniform nuclei

Answer

Reactive type II pneumocytes form cohesive, flat honeycombed sheets with relatively uniform nuclei, whereas adenocarcinoma shows disorganized clusters with nuclear atypia.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology