Cellular follicular cyst of the ovary: fluid cytology mimicking malignancy

Diagn Cytopathol. 1991;7(1):48-52. doi: 10.1002/dc.2840070113.

Abstract

We report three ovarian cysts studied by aspiration cytology. The fluids obtained were highly cellular, with numerous groups of atypical cells featuring a high nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear hyperchromasia, and prominent nucleoli. In each case, these features were considered evidence of a low-grade malignant neoplasm. All three patients underwent oophorectomy, which revealed benign follicular cysts. Possible means of resolving the diagnostic dilemma posed by these cellular follicular cysts are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Cell Nucleus / pathology
  • Chromatin / pathology
  • Cytodiagnosis*
  • Cytoplasm / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Granulosa Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Cysts / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovary / pathology

Substances

  • Chromatin