Korean J Cytopathol.  2001 Jun;12(1):45-48.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Papillary-Cystic Variant of Acinic Cell Carcinoma of Salivary Gland: A Case Report

• Lee AW
• Yoo JY
• Kang SJ
• Kim BK

Abstract

Acinic cell carcinoma(ACC) is the third common malignancy in major salivary gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful tool for the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. However, some low grade malignancies, such as ACC and mucoepidermoid carcinoma show relatively high false negative rate, mainly due to deceptively benign cytomorphologic appearance. We experienced a papillary-cystic variant of ACC, having different cytopathologic features compared with those of classic ACC. Our case showed monolayered sheets and papillary clusters without any acinic structures or naked nuclei of the tumor cells. Foamy proteinaceous material was seen in the background. The tumor cells had a large amount of granular cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei. Many vacuolated or clear cells were also noted.

Keyword

Acinic cell carcinoma; Fine needle aspiration cytology; Salivary gland

MeSH Terms

Acinar Cells*
Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
Carcinoma, Acinar Cell*
Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid
Cytoplasm
Diagnosis
Salivary Glands*