Approach to Fine Needle Aspiration of Giant Cell-rich Tumors of Soft Tissue

Abstract

Giant cells may be found in a wide variety of reactive and neoplastic soft tissue lesions. Because of their distinct histomorphology, they often stand out in procured samples such as fine needle aspirates. The giant cells themselves may be benign or neoplastic. However, the presence, type, and quantity of giant cells are usually not specific and in some cases can even be misleading when making a diagnosis. The aim of this review is to guide the practicing cytopathologist in narrowing their differential diagnosis when encountering one of these challenging giant cell-rich lesions of the soft tissue.

Numerous multinucleated giant cells in cutaneous epithelioid angiosarcoma and pulmonary metastasis: A unique observation with potential diagnostic pitfalls

“…MGCs are typically present in xanthoma, xanthogranuloma, reticulohistiocytoma, dermatofibroma, giant cell fibroblastoma, and atypical fibroxanthoma 9 . MGCs can be divided into benign (reactive or neoplastic) and malignant 10 . In practice, differentiating between the benign and malignant is important, whereas distinguishing between the benign reactive and benign neoplastic is not crucial.…”

“…In practice, differentiating between the benign and malignant is important, whereas distinguishing between the benign reactive and benign neoplastic is not crucial. Malignant giant cells differ from benign ones in that they have enlarged and hyperchromatic nuclei 10 . The clinicopathological context in which MGCs are observed is also important 9 …”

“…9 MGCs can be divided into benign (reactive or neoplastic) and malignant. 10 In practice, differentiating between the benign and malignant is important, whereas distinguishing between the benign reactive and benign neoplastic is not crucial.…”

“…Malignant giant cells differ from benign ones in that they have enlarged and hyperchromatic nuclei. 10 The clinicopathological context in which MGCs are observed is also important. 9 The differential diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma with numerous MGCs includes histiocytic disorders.…”