Korean J Cytopathol.  1998 Jun;9(1):99-104.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A case mimicking malignant fibrous histiocytoma

• Lee JW
• Oh YL
• Ko YH

Abstract

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) populated with anaplastic, often bizarre cells that express CD30 (Ki-1) antigen. The unusual histologic and cytologic features may cause confusion with other neoplasms, such as poorly differentiated carcinoma, melanoma, Hodgkin's disease, or true histiocytic lymphoma. Although the cytologic features of ALCL have been well described, there are few reports about cytologic findings of the sarcomatoid variant of ALCL. We experienced a case of fine needle aspiration(FNA) cytologic findings of ALCL which mimicks malignant fibrous histiocytoma. FNA cytology of chest wall mass in a 62-year-old female with a history of peripheral T-cell lymphoma(Lennert lymphoma) revealed a heterogeneous population of single cells and poorly cohesive cells with large, pleomorphic nuclei and spindle cells gathering around vascular structures within an inflammatory background. Additional features of the neoplastic cells were eccentric, multilobated nuclei with occasional "wreath-like" configuration; abundant cytoplasm with vacuolization; and prominent nucleoli. The cytologic features suggested sarcoma, especially malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The diagnosis was made retrospectively with an aid of immunocytochemical staining.

Keyword

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma mimicking sarcoma; Fine needle aspiration cytology

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Fine-Needle*
Cytoplasm
Diagnosis
Female
Histiocytic Sarcoma
Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous*
Hodgkin Disease
Humans
Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic*
Melanoma
Middle Aged
Needles
Retrospective Studies
Sarcoma
T-Lymphocytes
Thoracic Wall