Utilizing a case study approach, this course will emphasize a predominately systematic algorithmic approach to the evaluation of a variety of diagnostically challenging lesions from select superficial sites including thyroid, salivary gland, breast, and soft tissue. Emphasis will be placed on clinico-pathologic correlation, differential diagnoses, and the use of ancillary studies (immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, molecular cytogenetics, flow cytometry) most useful in generating a precise diagnosis. Some of the topics covered include thyroid follicular lesions and the new NCI conference classification; basaloid and low grade salivary gland neoplasms, pleomorphic adenoma and its variable cytologic appearances; myxoid, spindle, pleomorphic, epithelioid, and round cell sarcomas and their look alikes; breast malignancies, proliferative ductal and papillary lesions. Key cytologic criteria will be presented, and most common "mimics" and potential pitfalls emphasized.

Upon completion of the course, the participants should be able to: 1) Recognize the variety of cytomorphologic features and overlapping cytologic patterns of both common and unusual benign and malignant lesions from the salivary glands, thyroid, breast, and soft tissues. 2) Integrate the pertinent clinical and radiographic findings with the cytologic features to reach the most precise diagnosis using a predominately algorithmic approach. 3) Discuss the appropriate and cost effective usage of ancillary studies with an emphasis on imunohistochemistry.

This course is designed for general pathologists, pathologists with special interest in cytopathology, and residents. Pre-registrants will receive access to case histories and electronic images of the study cases which will be available for viewing prior to the meeting on the USCAP website. The attendees will receive a detailed text handout at the course and after the course; all participants will receive web access to the PowerPoint material along with the text portion of the syllabus.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.