Background proteinaceous fluid and benign bronchial epithelial cells with occasional small clusters of malignant epithelial cells displaying pleomorphic, hyperchromatic nuclei with granular chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli and irregular nuclear membranes with scant cytoplasm. Nuclear molding is focally present.
Diagnosis: Positive for malignancy - features in keeping with small cell carcinoma.
Images "in order" show:
100x image: It allows you to compare the differences between a group of benign bronchial epithelial cells at the top and a cluster of small cell carcinoma cells at the bottom.
400x image: Benign bronchial epithelial cells showing 'lining up of cells' with architectural maintenance. Cells maintain a normal nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio, with monomorphic ovoid nuclei, even chromatin, and moderately abundant, wispy cytoplasm.
200x and 400x images: Conversely, the malignant cell group displays architectural disarray and nuclear pleomorphism, irregular hyperchromatic chromatin and irregular membranes, with an increased nuclear:cytoplasmic ratio.
100x and >400x images: This cluster also displays characteristic features of small cell carcinoma, with nuclear moulding (nuclei conform to each other's contours), a 'salt and pepper' type chromatin pattern, and scant cytoplasm.