Cell cannibalism and cancer

Diagn Cytopathol. 2011 Mar;39(3):229-33. doi: 10.1002/dc.21402.

Abstract

Cellular cannibalism, defined as a large cell enclosing a slightly smaller one within its cytoplasm. In this review, we discussed the morphology, possible mechanism, and the cytological significance of cannibalism in relation to malignancy. Cannibalism is a completely different entity than phagocytosis, entosis, and emeriopoliosis. It is an important morphologic feature to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. Cannibalism has been described in various cancers such as, bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc, and this is related with the aggressiveness of the malignancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cytophagocytosis*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neoplasms / urine