IMPRINT CYTOLOGY OF NASOPHARYNGEAL BIOPSIES

OBJECTIVE: To use an instant cytologic diagnostic method to examine to uch imprints of nasopharyngeal (NP) biopsies. This method aimed to ens ure the adequacy of biopsied specimens for histologic examination. Thi s paper describes the morphologic findings of NP lesions examined by t his method. STUDY DESIGN: Imprints were made from NP biopsies from pat ients suspicious for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). These imprints we re air dried, stained with Diff-Quik and examined immediately. The ade quacy of the specimens was assessed, and the findings of the imprints were interpreted as positive-, negative- or suspicious for NPC. Repeat biopsies and cytologic studies were done as indicated. In selected ca ses, immunocytochemical staining was done to identify cells on the imp rints. Histologic examination of the biopsied specimens served as the control. RESULTS: With this method we could interpret the imprints wit hin five minutes of their receipt and determine if repent biopsy was n eeded. In benign lesions, the imprints often contained many cells, mos t mature and reactive lymphocytes. These cells and the numerous lympho glandular bodies (fragments of lymphoid cytoplasm) with the ciliated a nd squamous epithelial cells. In cases of NPC, the appearance was disc rete, or clusters of, carcinoma cells or naked nuclei. They were less cellular than those of benign lesions. The lymphocytes were markedly d epleted. Cells of dubious lineage were identified by the additional us e of immunocytochemical studies. CONCLUSION: Cytologic examination of imprints of NP biopsies helps to determine the adequacy of the specime n for histologic examination. It is a rapid, practical method with hig h diagnostic accuracy.