Cytomorphology of neuroendocrine tumours of the gallbladder

Abstract

Cytology plays an important role in the diagnosis of GB-NETs for appropriate subtype characterization, which is necessary for the prognostication of these tumours. TTF-1 may not be used for the differentiation of gallbladder SCCs from pulmonary SCCs.

Spectrum of gallbladder malignancies on fine‐needle aspiration cytology: 5 years retrospective single institutional study with emphasis on uncommon variants

“…The high frequency of local advancement of the disease demands its rapid diagnosis as it changes the modality of management and prognosis. Unlike previous reports which were based only on cytomorphology, 9,10,12,15 we confirmed the morphological impression by demonstration of neuroendocrine markers on cell block immunocytochemistry which makes this report novel and affirmative. The indication of USG-FNAC in each case was based on clinical suspicion and radiological findings of gallbladder fossa mass, gallbladder wall thickening with or without liver infiltration, all of which are suggestive of GB malignancy.…”

“…A high index of clinical suspicion along with supportive ultrasonographic findings suggest the diagnosis; however, a tissue diagnosis is required for confirmation. 15 However, we did not encounter well differentiated or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas and all neuroendocrine carcinomas described in this study were high grade and small cell type. Ultrasonography guided FNAC (USG-FNAC) has been considered superior in terms of diagnostic yield and sample adequacy 1 and is now considered the standard of care.…”

“…9,10,15 A recent study from north India described nine cases of neuroendocrine carcinoma which were categorized morphologically into well differentiated (grades 1 and 2), small cell carcinoma (grade 3), and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma. 15 However, we did not encounter well differentiated or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas and all neuroendocrine carcinomas described in this study were high grade and small cell type. Unlike previous reports which were based only on cytomorphology, 9,10,12,15 we confirmed the morphological impression by demonstration of neuroendocrine markers on cell block immunocytochemistry which makes this report novel and affirmative.…”

“…15 However, we did not encounter well differentiated or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas and all neuroendocrine carcinomas described in this study were high grade and small cell type. Unlike previous reports which were based only on cytomorphology, 9,10,12,15 we confirmed the morphological impression by demonstration of neuroendocrine markers on cell block immunocytochemistry which makes this report novel and affirmative. In the previous reported series of gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma by Yaday et al only TTF-1 has been demonstrated on destained smears which is not adequate to establish a diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma.…”

“…Ultrasonography guided FNAC (USG-FNAC) has been considered superior in terms of diagnostic yield and sample adequacy 1 and is now considered the standard of care. 15 One case of non Hodgkin lymphoma was reported on FNAC. The clinical and ultrasonography findings in benign lesion like xanthogranulomatous inflammation and acute inflammation at times mimic a malignant mass and tissue diagnosis is mandatory in such cases.…”