Metastatic Acantholytic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic Dilemma in Cytology

Acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is an uncommon variant of squamous cell carcinoma characterized by loosening of intercellular bridges. It usually involves the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck region and affects the elderly population. The histological features of ASCC have been well documented in the literature, but there is a paucity of studies on cytological features. We describe the cytological findings in the fine-needle aspiration smears of the cervical lymph node in a 70-year-old-male along with the diagnostic pitfalls.