METASTATIC SMALL CELL CARCINOMA OF LUNG

Metastatic Small Cell Carcinoma

Small-cell carcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer that metastatizes to the orbit. It is important because orbital findings are sometimes the initial manifestations. The tumor may fill the orbit or be localized to an extraocular muscle (Figure 10-10). The cytologic findings may mimic another small-cell tumor such as lymphoma. Differentiating features include the presence of cell necrosis, nuclear crush artifact, and some variation in cell size. The nuclear crush artifact occurs even in tissue sections and is probably related to increased fragility (Figure 10-11). Electron microscopy of aspiration cytology is useful to demonstrate epithelial elements. Leukocyte markers are helpful to exclude lymphoma.

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