Nuclear-to-Cytoplasmic Ratio (NCR)

Parameters:

(1) nuclear diameter in microns

(2) outer diameter of the cell in microns

nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio =

= (diameter of the nucleus) / (outer diameter of the cell)

Sources of variation:

(1) shape of the cell

(2) tissue of origin

(3) proliferative status

Interpretation:

• In general, a mature benign cell will have a small NCR while a malignant cell will have a high one.

• A proliferating cell and an atypical cell will tend to have NCR between the mature and malignant cells.

• The NCR is one of several parameters to be evaluated (mitotic activity, hyperchromasia, nuclear shape, etc).