Flow cytometric DNA analyses of epithelial dysplasia of the esophagus

OBJECTIVE: To investigate, with flow cytolmetry, DNA aneuploidy ns a marker of early carcinogenesis in dysplastic esophageal lesions. STUDY DESIGN: DNA content of exfoliated cells from 789 cases of esophageal dysplasia (including mild dysplasia, 195 cases; moderate dysplasia, 383 cas es; and severe dysplasia, 211 cases) runs determined with a FAGS 420 flow c ytometer. RESULTS: Cellular DNA content ions closely related to the severity of dyspl asia. The carcinogenesis mle in patients with dysplasia showed that DNA ane uploidy was significantly higher than? ill patients showing DNA diploidy. CONCLUSION: DNA aneuploidy in dysplastic lesions is a very important early signal of carcinogenesis. Patients with dysplastic lesions showing DNA aneu ploidy should be treated and closely followed.