Cytology revealed squamous cell carcinoma and marked neutrophilic inflammation. What is the diagnosis?

• A. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• B. Lymphoma
• C. Adenocarcinoma
• D. Sarcoma

Answer: (A)

Cytology that shows malignant squamous cells is diagnostic for squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of squamous cells in the sample indicates the tumor originates from squamous epithelium, and the malignant features of those cells define squamous cell carcinoma regardless of the surrounding inflammation. The marked neutrophilic inflammation can accompany tumors due to necrosis or secondary infection, but it doesn’t change the cell type identified. If the sample showed lymphoid cells, gland-forming mucin-producing cells, or spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells, other diagnoses (lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, or sarcoma) would be favored instead. Here, the key finding is the squamous malignant cells, pointing to squamous cell carcinoma.