M. Perezguillermo et al., MERKEL CELL TUMOR OF THE EYELID AND THE CYTOLOGIC ASPECT IN FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATES - REPORT OF A CASE, Diagnostic cytopathology, 10(2), 1994, pp. 146-151
We describe one case of Merkel cell tumor (MCT) of the eyelid diagnose
d by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). The main cytologic features were: i
solated cells, loose cohesive sheets, and rosette-like structures in a
hematic background The cells were round to ovoid and very uniform. Ch
romatin was finely granular and frequent mitotic figures were observed
. Under close scrutiny small faintly stained juxtanuclear ''caps '' we
re seen. A strong dot-like positivity for CK22 and NFP was observed in
the position corresponding to the ''caps. '' NSE positivity was diffu
se, although a weak dot-like positivity was seen in some cells. S-100
was negative. Both the cytologic features and the immunocytologic prof
ile of Merkel cell tumor are very characteristic. FNA enables an early
and confident diagnosis of th is aggressive tumor and an early planni
ng of surgery. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.