Epithelioid histiocytes (Epithelioid cells) are activated macrophages resembling epithelial cells:^[1] elongated, with finely granular, pale eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central, ovoid nucleus(oval or elongate), which is less dense than that of a lymphocyte. They have indistinct shape contour, often appear to merge into one another and form aggregates.

[edit] Clinical significance

The presence of epithelioid histiocytes may characterise some pathologic conditions, mainly granulomatous inflammation, including Orofacial granulomatosis^[2]. The excessive proliferation of them on skin causes reticulohistiocytoma and somewhat it is associated with arthritis.

[edit] See also

• Epithelioid
• Epithelium
• Granulomatous

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• MeSH Epithelioid+cells

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