Imprint cytology in laryngeal and pharyngeal tumours.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cytology in providing a reliable diagnosis upon which the clinician can base further investigative or treatment strategies in patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal tumours.


METHODS
Imprint cytology diagnoses from 174 patients were correlated with the histological result of a corresponding biopsy.


RESULTS
We found that the imprint cytology proved to be a useful, quick and reliable method with complete diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of 97%, 96%, 100%, 100% and 92% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Imprint cytology allows diagnostic statements in a shorter time than is possible with histological sections and proves a useful adjunct in evaluating laryngeal and pharyngeal lesions. The validity of the method depends on the care with which the specimen is sampled and on the experience of the investigator.
Loncar
B
B
Department of Clinical Cytology, Osijek, Croatia. loncar.branka@kbo.hr
Pajtler
M
M
Milicić-Juhas
V
V
Kotromanović
Z
Z
Staklenac
B
B
Pauzar
B
B
D003584:Cytological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*