Oncocyte

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

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.

Other names[]

Also known as:

• Hürthle cell (thyroid gland only)
• Oxyphilic cell,
• Askanazy cell
• Apocrine metaplasia (breast gland only).

Etymology[]

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

See also[]

• 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.
• Hurthle cell carcinoma, a variant of follicular thyroid carcinoma.

External links[]

• Wordinfo - words containing onco-, onocho-, -onchus