Although mast cell tumours are not graded cytologically, an estimate can be made on the degree of atypia they display.

Obviously if you are lucky enough to see a mitotic figure inside a mast cell then it is not likely to be a low grade tumour.

The degree of atypia as can be seen is marked as there is poor cytoplasmic granulation.

Multiple nuclei and prominent nucleoli and also a high nuclear:cytoplasm ratio suggests this is at the very least an intermediate grade - this is not a common finding however in the majority of aspirates from mast cell tumours so can easily be identified when present!

A biospy should however be performed to confirm the grade but an incisional biopsy maybe preferred due to the suggested grade before more radical treatment is instigated?

First published: June 9th, 2011