MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS IN ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS AND CHRONIC-PANCREATITIS

Background: Morphometric analysis whereby size and form of cellular nu clei are transformed into quantities has previously been shown to be a valuable adjunct to the histopathologic differential diagnosis betwee n chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic carcinoma. The present study aim s to assess the clinical value of morphometry performed on cytologic m aterial from benign and malignant pancreatic lesions. Methods: Cytolog ic specimens from 100 patients with the diagnosis of pancreatic carcin oma and 15 patients with chronic pancreatitis were evaluated by intera ctive morphometry using a digital image analyzer system. Results: Ther e were significant differences (p < 0.001) for all morphometric variab les between the malignant and benign groups (mean area p 50, 135.41 mu m(2) versus 69.66 mu m(2); anisokaryosis, 0.74 versus 0.41; and polym orphism, 0.13 versus 0.09). Conclusions: Morphometry may be used as a complementary tool in the cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma.