Oncocyte

An oncocyte is an epithelial cell characterized by an excessive number of mitochondria, resulting in an abundant acidophilic, granular cytoplasm. Oncocytes can be benign or malignant.

Cytopathology of Warthin's tumor, with typical cellular features (and a relatively uncommon binucleated cell).^[1] Pap stain. The relatively large size of the oncocytes is seen when comparing to the lymphocyte.

Micrograph showing apocrine-type metaplasia of the breast with typical oncocytes.^[2] H&E stain.

Oncocytes (left of image), as seen in a renal oncocytoma. H&E stain.

Other names

Also known as:

• Hürthle cell (thyroid gland only)
• Oxyphilic cell
• Askanazy cell
• Apocrine-type metaplasia (breast gland only).
• Oncocytic cell

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root onco-, which means mass, bulk.

See also

• Hurthle cell carcinoma, a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma.
• Oncocytoma, a tumour composed of oncocytes, may be found as a less common salivary gland neoplasm also known as oxyphilic adenoma.
• Renal oncocytoma, a kidney tumour composed of oncocytes.