Cytology of Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary

Abstract

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary may create a diagnostic challenge in cytologic preparations. Our experience with needle aspiration material, ascitic fluid, and peritoneal washings indicates that in fluids, despite some similarity between the tumor cells and reactive mesothelial cells, a correct diagnosis can be achieved by careful examination. The paucity of the cytoplasm and an intense indentation of nuclear membrane are the most helpful features in distinguishing the granulosa cells from mesothelial cells. The literature is reviewed, and the controversies regarding needle aspiration of ovarian neoplasms are discussed.

Ovarian Neoplasm: Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology with Histopathological Correlation

“…[ fig.3] In cases of granulosa cell tumor cytology showed clusters of medium-sized cells with round to ovoid monomorphic nuclei and finely granular chromatin. Nuclear grooves were present in some but not all the cells, similar to Ehya et al 12 Of the 4 cases reported as serous cystadenoma on FNAC, 2 of them proved to be borderline serous cystadenoma, 1 serous cystadenocarcinoma and 1 was diagnosed as granulose cell tumor on histology. 1 case was diagnosed as mucinous cystadenoma on cytology but labeled as mucinous cystadenocarcinoma on histology.…”

Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary

“…8,9,13,15,17,18 Even fewer reports describe the cytologic features of JGCT, and the majority of these cases are single cases. Our series consisted of 7 cases of ovarian GCT, including 1 JGCT and 6 AGCTs.…”

“…These cytologic features were selected because of their previous (and repeated) description in the cytology literature. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] In addition, each case was examined for single cell necrosis, increased mitoses (normal and abnormal) and features of cellular atypia. For the purpose of the study, cellular atypia was defined as tumor cells showing; pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, prominent nucleoli (2-3 μm or larger) and/or increased mitoses.…”

“…[2][3][4][5] While the histologic features of adult and juvenile GCT are clearly established, only a few papers describe their cytologic features, and most are brief reports. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] We herein describe the cytologic features of 7 ovarian GCTs (6 AGCTs and 1 JGCT) and compare our results with those of others cited in the literature.…”

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of an Ovarian Luteinized Follicular Cyst Mimicking a Granulosa Cell Tumor

“…The cells are fairly uniform, with round or oval, often indented nuclei, sometimes with distinct grooves. [9][10][11][12] Nuclear grooves have been reported to be of value in the diagnosis of granulosa cell tumors 10 but have been observed in follicular cysts and maturing follicles. 6 Our case supports that observation.…”