Diagnosis of Small Non–cleaved Cell Lymphoma by Fine Needle Aspiration Utilizing Cytomorphologic Features Combined with Cytogenetic Analysis

OBJECTIVE : To determine the utility of cytogenetic studies in the diagnosis of small non-cleaved cell lymphoma by fine needle aspiration. STUDY DESIGN: Cases of suspected lymphoma were identified in a prospective fashion by an immediate examination of the fine needle aspirate material by the pathologist. In these instances, additional material was aspirated directly into RPMI 1640 medium for cytogenetic studies. RESULTS: Four cases of suspected small non- cleaved cell lymphoma were identified on fine needle aspirate material, and the diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by the presence of the characteristic (8;14) translocation or associated variant translocation in cytogenetic studies from the aspirated material. CONCLUSION: Cytogenetic analysis is useful as an additional ancillary technique applicable to fine needle aspiration material. In the case of suspected small non-cleaved cell lymphoma, the finding of a translocation (8;14) or associated variant translocation, along with the characteristic cytomorphology, allows a definitive diagnosis by fine needle aspiration and may alleviate the need for biopsy.