Oncocyte

Cytopathology of Warthin's tumor, with typical cellular features (and a relatively uncommon binucleated cell). Pap stain. The relatively large size of the oncocytes is seen when comparing to the lymphocyte.

Micrograph showing apocrine-type metaplasia of the breast with typical oncocytes. H&E stain.

Oncocytes (left of image), as seen in a renal oncocytoma. H&E stain.

An oncocyte is an epithelial cell characterized by an excessive number of mitochondria, resulting in an abundant acidophilic, granular cytoplasm. Oncocytes can be benign or malignant.

Other names

Also known as:

• Hürthle cell (thyroid gland only)
• Oxyphilic cell
• Askanazy cell
• Apocrine-type metaplasia (breast gland only).
• Oncocytic cell

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root onco-, which means mass, bulk.

See also

• Hurthle cell carcinoma, a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma.
• Oncocytoma, a tumour composed of oncocytes, may be found as a less common salivary gland neoplasm also known as oxyphilic adenoma.
• Renal oncocytoma, a kidney tumour composed of oncocytes.

External links

• Wordinfo - words containing onco-, onocho-, -onchus