Aspiration and imprint cytopathology of thyroid carcinoma associated with familial adenomatous polyposis

Thyroid carcinomas occur in association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and some are the first symptom of FAP. Although several histologica l features have been reported, the cytopathology of FAP-associated thyroid carcinoma has not yet been described. We report on two cases of FAP-associa ted thyroid carcinomas diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and one c ase imprinted after resection. All 3 patients belonged to the same family, and thyroid carcinoma was the first symptom of the proband. Cytological fea tures include fascicular or whorl formation of spindle cells with papillary , follicular, and/or solid architectures, in addition to the typical featur es of papillary carcinoma. The cytological features of FAP-associated thyro id carcinomas are characteristic and may suggest FAP. Diagn. Cytopathol. 20 00;23:101-105. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.