Aspiration cytology of the conjunctival surface.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a method of obtaining conjunctival cells that utilizes aspiration of the conjunctival surface.


METHODS
Eighteen eyes from 16 patients with epibulbar lesions underwent aspiration of the conjunctival surface using a tuberculin syringe without a needle. The aspirated cells were prepared by the cytocentrifuge or Millipore filter technique. The lesions were subsequently biopsied, and the cytologic and histologic diagnoses were compared.


RESULTS
Diagnoses of the conjunctival lesions, in decreasing order of frequency, were conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (dysplasia, carcinoma in situ), squamous cell carcinoma, squamous metaplasia, nevus, lymphoma and inflammation. In this feasibility study, the cytologic diagnosis accurately correlated with the histologic diagnosis in most cases. There were two cases in which the cytologic diagnosis led to the correct histologic diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Aspiration cytology of the conjunctival surface is useful in obtaining diagnostic material and may be used as a guide to where a biopsy should be performed. Limitations include inadequate samples and lack of observer experience.
Grossniklaus
Hans E
HE
Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Stulting
R Doyle
RD
Gansler
Ted
T
Aaberg
Thomas M
TM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013594:Syringes / Q000639:trends