Analysis of three-dimensional architecture in Feulgen-stained fine-needle liver aspirates, using confocal scanning laser microscopy

Early and accurate diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in liver nodules u sing fine-needle aspiration biopsy can still pose difficulties, particularl y in cirrhotic nodules containing dysplastic hepatocytes. Loss of architect ural clues, which may aid diagnosis, can be overcome by using confocal scan ning laser microscopic examination of tissue fragments in smears without th e need for further processing of slides. The basic fuchsin of the Feulgen m ethod resulted in excellent confocal images without the need for further pr ocessing of the smears. Clear morphological differences in three-dimensiona l reconstructions of optically sectioned tissue fragments were demonstrated in normal, hyperplastic, and malignant smears as an aid to diagnosis. Diag n. Cytopathol. 2000;23: 82-86. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.