Cervix Cytology - Neutrophils

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Cervix-Cytology

Normal cells / non-neoplastic findings

Neutrophils

Reviewer: Farnaz Hasteh, M.D., UCSD Medical Center (see Reviewers page)
Revised: 14 June 2011, last major update December 2010
Copyright: (c) 2006-2010, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

Definition
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● Nonspecific finding, particularly if low numbers or during premenstrual and menstrual phases

Terminology
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● Also called acute inflammation, PMN (polymorphonuclear neutrophils)
● Neutrophils adherent to squamous cells are called “cannonballs” or “pus balls”, which is common in Chlamydia infection (DeMay: The Pap Test: Exfoliative Gynecologic Cytology (1st Ed); ASCP, 2005)

Epidemiology
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● Common finding, reported in 5-25% of cases (Fam Med 1992;24:447, Acta Cytol 2001;45:5)

Etiology
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● Physiological or hormonal process
● Infection (bacterial, fungal or viral) - are associated with and phagocytosed by Trichomonas (Cytopathology 2000;11:326) and Chlamydia (CMAJ 1998;158:41)
● Physical (IUD)
● Neoplastic or therapeutic
● Idiopathic

Clinical features
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● Asymptomatic
● Vaginitis
● Pruritus and leukorrhea

Prognostic features
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● Associated with benign reactive changes in squamous and endocervical cells
● Can be seen in the background of dysplasia or a neoplasm

Cytology description
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● Multilobated, hyperchromatic cells; may have background of blood and necrotic debris

Cytology images
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Neutrophils and histiocytes

Numerous neutrophils

End of Cervix-cytology > Normal cells / non-neoplastic findings > Neutrophils

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