CYTOLOGY OF CERVICAL CHORDOMA IN CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID FROM A CHILD - ACASE-REPORT

The cytologic findings on cerebrospinal fluid examination of cervical chordoma in a 2-year-old girl are presented. The major cell type was a small, isolated, hyperchromatic cell with sharply defined nuclear mem brane and granular cytoplasm. However, the characteristic cell of this neoplasm, the so-called physaliferous cell with typical bubbly cytopl asm, was also noted. Cytologic findings were compared to biopsy findin gs,with a good correlation of tumor morphology. Clinical follow-up rev ealed unusually aggressive tumor behavior, and the patient died a year Inter despite intensive chemotherapy. The differential diagnosis of t he condition is also discussed.