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-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.

References

External links

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