Cytomorphologic examination of anaplastic large cell lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration cytology

Abstract

ALCL can be diagnosed accurately by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) alone when aided by immunocytochemistry in ALK-positive cases. Ancillary studies should be anticipated such that material for cell block preparation and molecular studies is taken at the time of FNAC. The results of the current study demonstrate the varied FNAC morphology of ALCL. The presence of severe pleomorphism and anaplasia was found to correlate with ALK-negative status.