Merkel cell tumor of the eyelid and the cytologic aspect in fine‐needle aspirates: Report of a case

Abstract

We describe one case of Merkel cell tumor (MCT) of the eyelid diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The main cytologic features were: isolated cells, loose cohesive sheets, and rosette-like structures in a hematic background. The cells were round to ovoid and very uniform. Chromatin was finely granular and frequent mitotic figures were observed. Under close scrutiny small faintly stained juxtanuclear "caps" were seen. A strong dot-like positivity for CK22 and NFP was observed in the position corresponding to the "caps." NSE positivity was diffuse, although a weak dot-like positivity was seen in some cells. S-100 was negative. Both the cytologic features and the immunocytologic profile of Merkel cell tumor are very characteristic. FNA enables an early and confident diagnosis of this aggressive tumor and an early planning of surgery.

Diagnostic clues for differentiating Merkel cell carcinoma from lymphoma in fine‐needle aspiration cytology

“…7 In our current case, we noted that some neoplastic cells were cohesive and molded together in single cellular files, or Indian filing, which has been described only once in the English literature in a case report. 14 Furthermore, cytoplasmic pale bodies, or so-called "intermediate filament buttons/bodies" were also identified in the cytoplasm, supporting the diagnosis of MCC, with confirmation from immunocytochemistry. 8,14,16,17 F I G U R E 1 (A) and (B) Representative photos of the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the axillary lymph node with Papanicolaou stain.…”

“…5,6 In the literature, most published studies of the cytologic findings of MCC are single case reports or small series. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] As the cytomorphology of MCC may mimic other malignancies, particularly lymphoma and pulmonary small cell carcinoma (SmCC), 7,9,10,[12][13][14] immunocytochemistry is useful in confirming the diagnosis. Herein we report a unique case of MCC with metastatic nodal diseases, in which the FNA smear showed nuclear molding, Indian filing, and cytoplasmic pale bodies.…”

Cytologic Features of Metastatic Sebaceous Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases With Comparison to Three Cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma

“…Therefore, FNAB can be a useful nonsurgical preoperative diagnostic technique to distinguish sebaceous carcinoma from basal cell carcinoma and other cutaneous lesions. [15][16][17] Squamous cell carcinoma [18][19] Melanoma [20][21] Pilomatrixoma [22][23][24][25] Merkel cell tumor [26][27][28][29] …”

Cytologic Features of Metastatic Sebaceous Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases With Comparison to Three Cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma

“…Several comprehensive reviews of FNAB findings for these lesions have appeared in the literature. [3][4][5][6][7]11,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] FNAB smears from cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas also tend to be moderately cellular, with malignant cells in a necrotic background which may contain keratin pearls and keratin debris. 7 The cells have irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei with moderate pleomorphism, prominent nucleoli, and coarse chromatin, and there may be dense orangeophilic cytoplasm.…”

“…Basal cell carcinoma [15][16][17] Squamous cell carcinoma [18][19] Melanoma [20][21] Pilomatrixoma [22][23][24][25] Merkel cell tumor [26][27][28][29]…”