Psammoma bodies

Cervix - Cytology
Benign cells / nonneoplastic lesions
Psammoma bodies

Author: Farnaz Hasteh, M.D.

Topic Completed: 1 December 2010

Minor changes: 12 March 2020

Copyright: 2006-2020, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.

PubMed search: Psammoma bodies [title]

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Table of Contents

Cite this page: Hasteh F. Psammoma bodies. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/cervixcytologypsammomabodies.html. Accessed May 30th, 2020.

Definition / general

Microscopic laminated calcified structures which may be adjacent to normal or malignant cells

Epidemiology

Less than 0.001% of Pap smears (Adv Anat Pathol 2004;11:250)

Etiology

Produced by cross sectioning the tips of calcified papillary formations

Clinical features

Common finding on H&E in various benign and malignant lesions; also in Pap smears

Either single or in clusters

Usually associated with benign disorders (Diagn Cytopathol 2002;26:81, Cytojournal 2008 Apr 16;5:7)

Benign disorders associated with psammoma bodies include adhesions, benign ovarian tumors, cervical polyps, endometriosis, endosalpingiosis (J Reprod Med 2000; 45:526), fallopian tubal cells, IUD (J Reprod Med 1987; 32:147), oral contraceptives, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (DeMay: The Pap Test: Exfoliative Gynecologic Cytology; 2005)

Benign conditions often have a few associated bland glandular cells versus adherent malignant glandular cells in malignant disorders (Acta Cytol 1991; 35:81)

Malignant disorders associated with psammoma bodies include ovarian serous carcinoma and ovarian borderline tumors (Arch Pathol Lab Med 1988;112:564); also carcinomas of cervix, endometrium, fallopian tube, peritoneum (Acta Cytol 2010;54:311)

Recommended to investigate clinically to identify source, especially in women > 45 years, women with abnormal clinical exam, postmenopausal women or worrisome clinical history (Adv Anat Pathol 2004; 11:250)

Prognostic factors

Even a few atypical glandular cells are suggestive of malignancy, particularly in postmenopausal women (Gynecol Oncol 2006;103:238)

Case reports

Granulomatous reaction to aluminum silicate (J Reprod Med 2000; 45:526)

Microscopic (histologic) images

Images hosted on other servers:

Without atypical cells

With atypical cells