Biliary and pancreatic duct brush specimens are relatively uncommon specimens seen by pathologists. Not only can the findings of malignancy be subtle, the implications of a malignant diagnosis can be significant. This review focuses on cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma sampled by endoscopic brush cytology, with an emphasis on diagnostic criteria for adenocarcinoma. In addition, assessment of specimen adequacy, utilization of liquid-based preparations, molecular diagnosis, and timing of liver transplantation in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are also briefly discussed.

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pancreatic neoplasm seen most commonly in the pediatric age group. We report on the aspiration cytology and immunohistochemical findings of a pancreatoblastoma in a 16-yr-old male.

Small-cell carcinomas arise uncommonly in extrapulmonary sites and are rare primary neoplasms in the salivary glands. We report on the aspiration cytology and immunohistochemical findings of a small-cell carcinoma of the parotid gland in an 81-yr-old man.

Cellular schwannoma, a variant of benign schwannoma, is characterized by marked nuclear pleomorphism and hyperchromasia and may be overdiagnosed as a malignancy in fine‐needle aspiration specimens. We report the aspiration cytology findings of a case of cellular schwannoma that arose in the parapharyngeal region of a 50‐yr‐old woman. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;20:312–316. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

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Nephrogenic adenoma of the urinary bladder and urethra is an uncommon benign lesion of the urinary epithelium that can cytologically and histologically mimic malignancy. We report on the cytologic findings of a case of nephrogenic adenoma of the urethra that mimicked malignancy in an 84‐yr‐old woman. The differential diagnosis of this problematic lesion is discussed, and the literature describing the cytologic features is reviewed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:49–51. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

1) While interobserver variability was very low, variability in cellularity obtained from one pig to the next, and from one brush to the next, was very high. This sampling variability may partially explain the low yield in malignant cells in human malignant biliary brushing. Multiple brushings in one patient may alleviate part of this problem. 2) There was no advantage to either brush type (large bristle or small bristle).