Small-cell anaplastic carcinoma

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  Cytological extension with abundant cellularity, aggregates and many dispersed cells.
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  Three dimensional cluster of small malignant cells showing pleomorphism, anisonucleosis and hyperchromasie and scattered nuclear fragments.
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  Agregate of small cells with marked nuclear membrane abnormalities.
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  Agregate of small cells with a small amount of cytoplasm, the nuclei are difficult to examine but appear hyperchromatic.
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  Disorganised aggregates of pleomorphic small cells and smearing artefact.
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  Aggregate of small cells with a small amount of cytoplasm with pleomorphism and high nuclear cytoplasmic ratios.
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  Cluster of atypical epithelial cells with hyperchromasia and abnormal chromatin distribution.
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  Small loose clusters showing absence of cytoplasm and showing nuclear molding.
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  The tumor cells exhibit small cytoplasm coarse chromatin and necrosis.

This group of lung carcinomas is the most aggresive of the common types grows rapidly, disseminates widely and has a very poor overall prognosis. Small cell carcinoma comprises 10 to 20% of all lung. The importance of its distinction from other types of lung carcinoma rests in its clinical behavior systemic nature and responsiveness to chemotherapy.

The images correspond to the BAS cytology of a man 63 years of age.