Cytologic and immunocytochemical findings of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Despite the wide morphologic spectrum of ALCL, a definitive diagnosis on the basis of FNA cytology is possible on careful interpretation of the cytologic features and a high index of suspicion. The cytologic diagnosis can be confirmed further with proper application of immunostaining to cell block sections. Immunocytochemical study for ALK protein, which provides useful prognostic information, also can be demonstrated satisfactorily using cytology samples.