Clinical Controversy Surrounding the Differential Diagnosis of Branchiogenic Carcinoma

Figure 1

Histopathologic examination of the excised cervical lymph node revealed multiple cystic epithelial structures lined by stratified squamous epithelium exhibiting to a great extent malignant cytologic (hyperchromatic, irregular nuclei, mitotic figures) and architectural (loss of polarity) features (a); lying on dense lymphatic tissue focally forming lymphoid follicles with prominent germinal centers (b). The squamous cell epithelium lining of the cysts exhibited areas of transition (b, c) of moderate/severe dysplasia to in situ squamous cell carcinoma (d). A well-defined sinus tract was not present. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the cervical lymph node (a–d) at X40 (a, b, and c); and x200 (d) magnification.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)