Cytology Q&A 14

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A Friesian cow has swollen eyelids, with marked blepharospasm and ocular discharge. An FNA is collected and a smear made (Wright–Giemsa, ×100 oil).

Question	Answer		Article
What cells are present?	The smear contains a lot of neutrophils and cell debris, but there are also clusters of pleomorphic epithelial cells. These vary from benign keratinized mature squames (deep blue structure, top left of smear, partially out of the field) to epithelial cells with anisocytosis and basophilic cytoplasm with marked vacuolation. Some of the cells are binucleated, and chromatin clumping and prominent nucleoli are noted. The cell on the bottom right, although nucleated, is deeply stained, suggesting inappropriate keratinization.		Link to Article
What is the cytological interpretation?	Squamous cell carcinoma. The eyelid is a relatively common site for this tumour in the cow.		Link to Article