Open AccessLoose cell clusters with vascular coats: Zellballen pattern of paraganglioma on cytology
Author(s) -
Kusum D. Jashnani,
Rahul Patil,
Dharmesh J. Balsarkar
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of cytology/journal of cytology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.267
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 0974-5165
pISSN - 0970-9371
DOI - 10.4103/0970-9371.126670
Subject(s) - paraganglioma , medicine , cytology , head and neck , histopathology , pathology , fine needle aspiration cytology , carotid body , radiology , anatomy , carotid arteries , surgery
Paragangliomas are uncommon tumors arising in paraganglion tissue, which is well represented in the head and neck. A correct pre-operative cytological diagnosis helps in planning early and optimal surgery. Cytologic features in carotid body tumor and extra adrenal paragangliomas have been well described and documented. In addition to the acinar and discrete arrangement of cells, smears also showed a few large loose clusters of cells enveloped by thin vascular channels-the so-called zellballen pattern, a diagnostic feature on histopathology. Zellballen pattern of paraganglioma on cytology is not a common finding and hence is being reported.