Glossary Definitions

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Histiocytes and small cells
Histiocytes show different sizes and shapes and may transform into macrophages.
Classically a histiocyte is a cell with a kidney-shaped nucleus and a microvacuolated cytoplasm.
Histiocytes may be multinucleated with a larger cytoplasm. Sometimes these multinucleated cells are foreign body giant cells. Multinucleated histiocytes are frequently seen in atrophic menopausal smears. It may be difficult to distinguish histiocytes from squamous basal cells or glandular cells of endocervical or endometrial origin. Histiocytes may transform into macrophages.

Cytopathology atlas

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