Cytomorphology of tyrosine-rich crystalloids in fine needle aspirates of salivary gland adenomas.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the presence of tyrosine-rich crystalloids (TRC) in fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens of pleomorphic adenomas of salivary gland.

METHODS

FNA specimens from 12 patients were reviewed, and the percentage of cases showing TRC was established. The staining properties of the TRC were evaluated as well as spontaneous fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light.

RESULTS

Of the 12 pleomorphic adenomas, 4 showed TRC (30%) in the smears. Among the eight cytologically negative cases there were two that showed a few TRCs on histology. All positive cases were from African American patients. TRC stained weakly with Papanicolaou stain. TRC were deep blue with Diff-Quik. They fluoresced under UV light.

CONCLUSIONS

TRC could be detected in FNA specimens. They were best seen under UV light. The Papanicolaou technique stained TRC very pale, making them difficult to see. Diff-Quik stained TRC dark blue, mimicking deposits of dye. The amount of TRC in histology paralleled the detection rate in cytology.