Hyperchromatic Crowded Groups

Hyperchromatic crowded groups (HCGs) are frequently encountred in gynaecologic cytology and may represent a range of conditions from benign, non-neoplastic (eg. benign endometrial cells) to premalignant and malignant conditions.

Here are some examples of various entities presenting as HCGs in cervical smears. These are demonstrated using videos as they enable us to move  through different planes of focus to better appreciate cytoarchitecture and morphology.

This is a useful medium to demonstrate thick clusters with too much depth of focus for conventional slide photography or digital scanning.

BENIGN EXAMPLES of HCGs:

1. Endocervical cells 

 

2. Endometrial cells 

 

3. Reactive change/Repair

 

PREMALIGNANT/MALIGNANT EXAMPLES of HCGs

1. HSIL 

 

2. Endometrial neoplasia