Pincer Cell
(Mushroom Cell)

Pincer cell
Peripheral blood smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 1000x

Description:

The red cell has a mushroom appearance and lacks central palor.

Pathobiology:

Due to a deficiency of band 3 membrane skeletal proteins.

Differential diagnosis:

  • Hereditary spherocytosis due to band 3 membrane protein abnormalities
  • Dyserythropoiesis- the range of poikilocytosis seen in the various dyserythropoietic disorders is quite broad. 

 

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Charles  E.  Hess,  M.D.,FACP
Professor of Internal Medicine
Department of Medicine
Division of Hematology/Oncology

  M.D. Degree: University of Virginia, 1959
  Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Virginia
  Fellowship: Hematology, University of Virginia
  Certification: Internal Medicine
Hematology
  Research Interests: Hematologic malignancies, splenomegaly
  Department Web Site: http://www.healthsystem.vir
ginia.edu/internet/internal/
  Phone: (434) 924-2572