Cytology of a lymph node. Small cell carcinoma with scanty cytoplasm and nuclear molding (sample obtained from subcarinal lymph nodes)
The photograph shows tumor cells of small cell lung cancer. The cells have scanty cytoplasm and prominent nuclear molding, which is a characteristic feature of this tumor. The nuclear chromatin is typically “speckled” (“salt-and-pepper”), and nucleoli are inconspicuous. The tumor is localized in the subcarinal lymph nodes.
Subcarinal lymph nodes are located in the chest, below the tracheal bifurcation, i.e., below the point where it divides into the right and left main bronchi.
📍 Anatomically, they are located: below the tracheal bifurcation (carina of the trachea), between the right and left main bronchi, behind the upper part of the heart, and in front of the esophagus.
These lymph nodes are important in: lung tumors (especially central localization), small cell carcinoma, tuberculosis, and other infections.
🔬 During examination via endobronchial ultrasound, access to them is possible with high accuracy for biopsy. Source: M. Sheaff, N. Singh - Cytopathology An Introduction - 2013.
REFERENCE INFORMATION: Subcarinal lymph nodes, or tracheobronchial group lymph nodes, are located in the area of the tracheal bifurcation (the point where the trachea divides into two main bronchi) and along the main bronchi.
