CERCARIFORM CELLS - A CLUE TO THE CYTODIAGNOSIS OF TRANSITIONAL-CELL ORIGIN OF METASTATIC NEOPLASMS

The ''cercariform'' cell is described as a distinct cytomorphologic cl ue that may be helpful in the diagnosis of metastatic transitional cel l neoplasms, particularly low grade. This cell has a nucleated globula r body and a cytoplasmic process with a nontapering, flattened, bulbou s or fishtail-like end. The cercariform cell corresponds to intermedia te cells in histologic and ultrastructural preparations of normal urot helium. The cercariform appearance is the result of pseudostratificati on of both normal and low-grade neoplastic urothelium. The unique feat ures of cercariform cells make them readily distinguishable from neopl astic squamous cells as well as spindle cells of mesenchymal origin. ( C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.