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