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Fine needle aspiration in a malignant lymphoepithelial lesion: a case report
Nipa Kanjanavirojkul1, Churairat Kularbkaew, Wiboonchai Yutanawiboonchai
1Division of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasart University, Rangsit Campus, Km. 41 on Paholyothin Highway, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12121, Thailand. nipa.kanjana@yahoo.com
Background:
A primary malignant lymphoepithelial lesion (MLEL) of the salivary gland is a rare tumor. Though histologic morphology of this lesion is well documented, the cytologic findings regarding fine needle aspiration (FNA) are not yet well described.
Case:
A 56-year-old Thai woman from Udonthanee was admitted to Srinagarind Hospital with a 2-year history of a painless mass in the left parotid gland. FNA of the left parotid mass was performed, and findings suggestive of malignancy were discovered. A wide local excision was performed 1 year later, and MLEL with metastasis to the regional lymph nodes was diagnosed by histopathology.
Conclusion:
We report our first experience of cytologic findings from FNA of histologically diagnosed MLEL. The aspirate comprised groups of cohesive and isolated malignant epithelials with a background of numerous lymphocytes. Cytotechnologists should be reminded of this rare lesion when confronted with a lymphocytic background from either benign or malignant lesions.
