Korean J Cytopathol.  2001 Dec;12(2):131-134.

Cytologic diagnosis of a chordoma without physaliferous cells: A case report

• Jin YH
• Park CK
• Lee WM
• Park MH

Abstract

Cytologic features of conventional chordoma have been described and most reports emphasize the presence of large cells with numerous well defined cytoplasmic vacuoles or physaliferous cells. We report fine needle aspiration cytologic (FNAC) findings of a case of chordoma without physaliferous cells. The smear was cellular and composed of large cohesive clusters or individually scattered cells in mucinous background. The round or cuboidal cells had centrally located nuclei with fine granular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and occasional vacuolated cytoplasm. Mild to moderate pleomorphism was noted. Physaliferous cells are extremely helpful when present in cytologic material, but they are not necessary for diagnosis. Thus clinical history, roentgenographic appearance, and exact location of the lesion are required for the successful interpretation of presacral aspirates together with cytologic findings.

Keyword

Chordoma; Physaliferous cells; Fine needle aspiration cytology

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Fine-Needle
Chordoma*
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Diagnosis*
Mucins
Vacuoles
Chromatin
Mucins