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Cell cannibalism: diagnostic marker of malignancy
1Department of Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|February 1, 2003
Summary
Cell cannibalism, the engulfment of one cell by another, is a significant indicator of malignancy in cytology samples. This study found cell cannibalism to be a dependable diagnostic feature in malignant effusion and urine cytology.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell cannibalism is an observed phenomenon in various cancers.
- Its diagnostic utility in effusion and urine cytology requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytological relevance of cell cannibalism as a reliable marker for malignancy.
- To compare the incidence of cell cannibalism in malignant versus benign effusion and urine samples.
Main Methods:
- A total of 40 cases were randomly selected: 10 malignant effusion, 10 benign effusion, 10 malignant urine, and 10 benign urine samples.
- Smears were assessed for the presence of cell cannibalism, and the number of cannibalistic cells per 100 tumor cells was quantified.
Main Results:
- Cannibalistic cells were observed more frequently in malignant effusion (3.4/100 cells) than in malignant urine (2/100 cells).
- No cannibalistic cells were found in any benign samples (effusion or urine).
- The increased presence of cannibalistic cells was highly statistically significant in malignant versus benign samples (P > 0.0000).
Conclusions:
- Cell cannibalism is a significant cytological feature associated with malignancy in effusion and urine samples.
- The study suggests that cell cannibalism can be considered a dependable cytological indicator of malignancy.