“Sound of Silence”

Dissociated plasmacytoid cytomorphology in a thyroid “Oncocytic Follicular Neoplasm” may create diagnostic confusion with Medullary Carcinoma. (Thyroid, FNA)

NOT uncommon to see nucleolar prominence in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in liquid-based preps. (SurePath, FNA)

FLAME CELLS should never be considered specific for Graves’ Disease on thyroid FNA smears stained with Giemsa. This case was called “Follicular Neoplasm” on FNA with a follow-up diagnosis of “Follicular Carcinoma” on resection.

SPINDLE-cell carcinoid tumor of the lung can occasionally give a pseudo-granulomatous appearance. Although spindly, these neoplastic cells lack the “boomerang” shaped nuclei of epithelioid histiocytes and the associated lymphs from a granuloma. (Lung, FNA)

MELANOMA can be extremely wild and pleomorphic appearing, although not commonly. (Lung, FNA)

An impressive “histiocytoid” or “clear cell” appearance of a salivary gland “Secretory Carcinoma”, a frequently observed cytomorphologic feature. Few small intracytoplasmic secretory vacuoles are noticeable as well. (Parotid, FNA)

A garden to spend an entire day exploring.

Budding, and soon to captivate.

Few more ….

A day spent at the fascinating “Rose Garden” of the Balboa Park, San Diego, a must visit place.

Gorgeous day in San Diego, California - the bay with city skyline, Coronado bridge and the iconic ship from Mexico, “Cuauhtémoc”, on a goodwill visit to the US.

IMPRESSIVE contrast between a fragment of ciliated bronchial epithelium and surrounding plasmacytoid neoplastic cells of a carcinoid tumor. DD- reserve cell hyperplasia (lack of intact fragments) and small cell ca (lack of nuclear molding, kayorrhexis or mitoses). (Bronch brush)

BIG, sharply defined and symmetrical globules of an adenoid cystic carcinoma, just a photogenic case. (Parotid FNA)

SOLITARY macronucleoli are typically a bad finding n Cytopathology particularly in a Gyn PAP test - shown here are exfoliated cells from a uterine MMMT. (SurePath)

NASTY tumor with a picture-perfect psammoma body - Abdominal fluid involved by the patient’s known high-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary. (Cytospin)

Trabecular/linear - Glandular/acinic (blue wild indigo and allium).

“Waiting to be blown away”

Blooming to mesmerize - “Clematis” (my personal favorite).

The flamboyant and showy - “Foxglove”