Sclerosing hemangioma of lung: A close cytologic mimicker of pulmonary adenocarcinoma

We report the fine-needle aspiration biopsy findings of sclerosing hemangio ma of lung occurring in a 40-yr-old Chinese woman. Cytologically, there wer e hyalinized stromal tissue fragments admixed with clusters of nondescript mononuclear tumor cells. Scattered foamy macrophages and red blood cells we re also noted in the background. Focal papillary and acinar configurations were seen. However, some of the epithelial cells show, nuclear pleomorphism with nuclear hyperchromasia, prominent nucleoli. and occasional intranucle ar inclusions. Mitotic activity was virtually absent. The cytologic atypia present may result in misdiagnosis of well-differentiated pulmonary adenoca rcinoma, especially bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. Recognition of the subtle cytologic differences, together with cell block examination, immunocytoche mistry, and proper clinicoradiologic correlation, is crucial for an accurat e preoperative diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2001;25: 316-320. (c) 2001 Wil ey-Liss, Inc.