Blastoid

In pathology, the term “blastoid” refers to cells that have features resembling immature precursor cells, known as blasts, which are typically found in the bone marrow. These cells are generally considered abnormal and can be indicative of aggressive and rapidly proliferating diseases, often seen in certain types of cancers.

Microscopic features of blastoid cells

Blastoid cells have a distinct microscopic appearance. They tend to have a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, which means the cell’s nucleus is large relative to the amount of cytoplasm. The chromatin (the material that makes up chromosomes) is usually finely dispersed, giving the nucleus a lighter appearance under the microscope. Nucleoli, which are small structures within the nucleus involved in ribosomal RNA synthesis, may be prominent.

Blastoid cells and cancer

Blastoid cells are most commonly associated with certain types of blood cell cancers, including:

• Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL): This is a more aggressive form of MCL characterized by cells that resemble lymphoblasts.
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): ALL is a type of leukemia characterized by the overproduction of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow and blood.
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): AML involves the rapid growth of abnormal myeloid cells in the bone marrow and their accumulation in the blood.

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Atlas of Pathology