Role of imprint cytology and frozen section in the diagnosis of tumours

Abstract

Introduction: Imprint cytology is an economical, simple and quick method with excellent cytological clarity but cannot provide information on the depth of invasion. Frozen section is the standard method of intraoperative diagnosis but is limited by its cost, need of qualified technical staff and the freezing arte facts. Thus, both the techniques have their own limitations and combining these techniques helps in achieving high diagnostic accuracy rates. Aims: 1. To assess the combined role of imprint cytology and frozen section in the diagnosis of tumours of various organs. 2. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of imprint cytology and frozen section individually with that of the histopathological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The present study was done in the pathology department of Bangalore medical college and research institute for a period of one year. A total of 50 surgical specimens from various organs were studied using imprint cytology and frozen section. The results of both the techniques were compared with the gold standard histopathological diagnosis. Results: Out of 50 cases, majority were ovarian neoplasms comprising of 21 (42%) cases followed by thyroid (14%), breast (12%) and salivary gland (10%) neoplasms. The majority of the cases were malignant (50%) followed by beingn (40%), borderline (6%) and metastatic (4%). The overall diagnostic accuracy of imprint cytology and frozen section in various organs were 94% and 98%respectively. The combined diagnostic accuracy was 98%. Conclusion: Imprint cytology and frozen sections are interdependable intraoperative diagnostic modalities. Imprint cytology alone may not be able to provide a correct diagnosis. Thus, a combination of imprint cytology and frozen section helps in achieving high diagnostic accuracy rates and in distinguishing benign and malignant lesions.