Abstract
Objective : We studied cytological findings in so-called lymphoepithelial carcinoma (LEC), including one case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, arising from the upper aerodigestive tract.
Study Design : Subjects were 4 men aged 53 to 77 years diagnosed with LEC, including with primary tonsilar diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) showing cohesive growth.
Results : In WHO classification, three cases were differentiated and one undifferentiated. Cytologically, differentiated cases featured tightly aggregated clusters of tumor cells with relatively broad cytoplasm, distinct cell margins, and large oval or spindle-shaped nuclei with prominent nucleoli among small lymphocytes. The undifferentiated case featured loosely aggregated tumor cell clusters or dissociated tumor cells among small lymphocytes. Tumor cells had scant cytoplasm with indistinct cell margins and large oval nuclei with prominent nucleoli. In situ hybridization in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma case demonstrated numerous small RNA-positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded tumor cells.
Conclusion : Two LEC subtypes arising from the upper aerodigestive tract were delineated cytologically and histologically. The differentiated type was easily recognized as epithelioid. Occasionally however, the undifferentiated type should be differentiated from large cell lymphoma showing cohesive growth.
