CYTOLOGIC PATTERNS OF REPARATIVE PROCESSES, TRUE DYSPLASIA AND CARCINOMA OF THE GASTRIC-MUCOSA

The cytologic features or dysplasia and carcinoma of the stomach are s till poorly defined. In a series of 90 cases, a precise cor relation c ould be mane between smears and histologic data. Cytology was sensitiv e enough to allow characterization of: (1) active repair/regeneration, associated, in a number of cases, with intestinal metaplasia (slight dysplasia); the cellular atypia is minimal; (2) true dysplasia (former ly moderate and severe); this preneoplastic state is characterized by cellular atypia within clusters; and (3) true carcinomas (intestinal o r diffuse type); classic criteria far malignancy are present, with a p rominent lack of cell cohesiveness, though distinction from dysplasia may be very difficult. The advantages of cytology are the survey of la rge mucosal areas, investigation of the cardial region, not always acc essible to endoscopic biopsy, and exploration of large ulcers. With th e adjunct of cytology, the specificity and sensitivity of endoscopy pl us histology clearly increase.