Brush cytology of gastric malignancies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare endoscopic biopsy and cytology versus biopsy alone in the diagnosis of gastric malignancies.


METHODS
This prospective study included 229 cases referred for endoscopy for visible gastric lesions during a four-year period (1996-2000). Both biopsy and brush cytology were performed, and all the slides were screened by a cytotechnologist and reviewed by a pathologist.


RESULTS
Of the 229 cases, 97 (42.4%) were proven to be malignant and 132 (57.6%) definitely benign. Biopsy was positive in 90 patients (92.7%), while brush cytology was positive in 85 (87.1%). Combined use of biopsy and brush cytology yielded higher diagnostic sensitivity (100%).


CONCLUSIONS
Brush cytology is a safe, easy and rapid method of diagnosing gastric malignancies. Brush cytology is a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of gastric malignancies and should be considered a routine method in combination with biopsy. Multiple repeated endoscopies are recommended in cases of positive cytology and negative biopsy to rule out or confirm malignancy.
Geramizadeh
Bita
B
Department of Pathology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71344, Iran. geramib@sums.ac.ir
Shafiee
Ali
A
Saberfirruzi
Mehdi
M
Kumar
Perikala K
PK
Shaheem
Atefeh
A
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*