Distinguishing small cell carcinoma from non-small cell carcinoma of the lung: correlating cytologic features and performance in the College of American Pathologists Non-Gynecologic Cytology Program.

Abstract

Frequent misclassification of small cell carcinoma as non-small cell carcinoma in lung fine-needle aspiration specimens in this program correlates strongly with the presence of cytoplasmic features that may suggest non-small cell carcinoma or with the presence of paranuclear blue bodies. Misclassification in this program may reflect a variety of factors, including the variation in the cytologic features of individual cases, but also the lack of wide recognition that some features of non-small cell carcinoma may also be noted in well-preserved cases of small cell carcinoma.