Educational Objectives:
1) Review cases and criteria for the diagnosis of glandular neoplasms in both liquid based and conventional Pap tests
2) Identify criteria for benign and reactive glandular cells, thereby avoiding an AGUS diagnosis
3) Review common entities residing in the AGUS category
4) Demonstrate knowledge by applying criteria to unknown cases


This tutorial will present a variety of cases representing the spectrum of benign through malignant glandular entities found in the female genital tract. We will begin with some straightforward cases of in situ and invasive endocervical adenocarcinoma as well as cases of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Examples of benign and reactive glandular cells will be reviewed, and then the gray area between the two (AGUS) will be addressed. Some questions for discussion will be: What absolutely belongs in the AGUS category, and where can we improve differential criteria to be more definitive? What are the best tips to separate squamous and glandular lesions? Do you ever have days where everything looks glandular?

Educational Objectives:
1) Discuss the utility of cytopathology in the diagnosis of common and uncommon infectious diseases
2) Highlight structures and contaminants that may mimic pathogens
3) Explore the role of ancillary studies in the identification of infectious agents


Microorganisms are frequently encountered in cytology specimens. The identification of microorganisms based upon cytomorphologic appearance can on occasion be challenging. For example, numerous collapsed Pneumocystis cysts may appear to be "budding", while capsule deficient cryptococcus may be mistaken for other microorganisms (e.g. histoplasmosis). Endogenous structures and contaminants may also mimic pathogens. Furthermore, evaluation of the host response (e.g. granulomas) and cytopathic effect (e.g. ciliocytophthoria) to infectious organisms is equally important. Fungal infections, for example, may show atypical keratinizing squamous cells mimicking those of squamous cell carcinoma.
This session will focus on the utility of cytopathology in the diagnosis of infectious disease, with emphasis on the detection and identification of both common and rare microorganisms in various cytologic specimens including GYN cytology, CSF, FNA cytology, Bronchial cytology, and Exfoliative cytology. Cytologic techniques of specimen procurement, staining, and the role of ancillary studies for the identification of infectious agents will be discussed. The session will also incorporate an update on advances in the field. Newly recognized infections such as the recent discovery of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCV) will be included, as well as the utility of new immunostains (e.g. CM2B4 for MCV) and the role of molecular techniques that assist in the identification, classification and even quantification of microorganisms.