Fine-needle aspiration cytology of mucous retention cyst of the tongue: Distinction from other cystic lesions of the tongue

Abstract

Mucous retention cyst (MRC) is a common submucosal lesion of the oral cavity that, when deeply seated, simulates a neoplasm. This report describes the fine‐needle aspiration cytology findings of a lingual MRC of complex architecture and with metaplastic epithelium. In addition, we emphasize its cytologic differential diagnosis from other benign and malignant cystic lesions of the tongue. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of aspiration cytology of a complex MRC of the tongue. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:308–312. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Myoepithelioma presenting as a midline cystic tongue lesion: Cytology, histology, ancillary studies, and differential diagnosis

“…7,8 Intraoral lymphoepithelial cysts can be uni-or multilocular. Their smears generally show a polymorphic population of lymphocytes, squamous cells, histiocytes, and a proteinaceous background.…”

“…15,16 Preparations from lowgrade MEC are usually composed of mainly cohesive bland epithelial cells, sometimes with mucinous vacuoles. 7,10,11 The abundant myxoid fibrillary stroma commonly observed in ME is not seen in ACC 16 or low-grade MEC. 7,10,11 FNA material from high-grade MEC and SCC generally are differentiated from ME, based on their marked cytologic atypia, and/or evidence of keratinization.…”

“…7,10,11 FNA material from high-grade MEC and SCC generally are differentiated from ME, based on their marked cytologic atypia, and/or evidence of keratinization. 7,10,11 Granular-cell tumor (GCT), a rare benign neoplasm, deserves special comment due to its common lingual location. 8,17 Its aspirate smears are composed of large polygonal cells, with abundant granular cytoplasm.…”