Cytology: Common Findings

Vocabulary flashcards covering common microorganisms and cytologic elements found in skin, ear, and body cavity samples.

Yeast (Malassezia-like)

Oval to peanut or footprint-shaped, purple-staining organisms that are often budding; common in skin and ear cytology.

Cocci

Tiny round purple bacteria often found in clusters or chains; common with bacterial infection.

Rods

Elongated purple bacteria that can be seen singly or in groups, and are usually more concerning than cocci in ear cytology.

Degenerate Neutrophil

A cell characterized by a swollen pale nucleus with loss of sharp lobulation, which suggests active bacterial inflammation and is often found with cellular debris or bacteria.

Macrophage

A large cell with abundant blue-gray cytoplasm that is often vacuolated and may contain phagocytized debris or organisms.

Squamous Epithelial Cell

A large flat polygonal cell with a small pyknotic nucleus and abundant pale cytoplasm.

Transitional Epithelial Cell

A round to polygonal cell with a more centrally placed nucleus and a moderate amount of basophilic cytoplasm.

Lipid

Round clear to lightly refractile droplets with a bubble-like appearance; a common incidental finding in ear cytology.