Cytological diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma with rib metastasis in a young female--a case report.

ABSTRACT

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas are second most common primary tumors of the liver. They are usually seen in 6th to 7th decades of life and at an advanced stage leading to poor prognosis. Their occurrence in the young age group is rare. Histopathological features of this tumor are well documented but literature regarding cytomorphological features on FNA is limited. We describe the cytological features of this tumor in a young woman presenting primarily with a rib metastasis. FNA smears from hard lump in the right chest wall and liver mass showed small round tumor cells arranged in the form of sheets, clusters and occasional tubules. The cells showed mild pleomorphism and bland nuclear morphology. Intimately admixed with tumor cells were spindle shaped fibroblastic cells. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was within normal limit. Special stain for bile and immunocytochemical staining for NSE, chromogranin and CALLA were all negative. Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed based on cytological findings and special stains and this diagnosis was histologically confirmed on biopsy.