RAPID CYTOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF PRIMARY SKIN TUMORS AND TUMOR-LIKE CONDITIONS

This study presents the results of fine needle aspiration cytology per formed on 1,263 skin lesions which were clinically suspicious for neop lasia. The purpose of the study was to investigate the accuracy of fin e needle aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of skin tumours and to assess its clinical value. Twenty-one to 27 Gauge needles were used an d the specimens were stained by a quick Giemsa stain. The cytological examination reported 826 primary malignant tumours and 437 benign lesi ons. Five hundred and thirteen of the cytologically malignant cases an d 123 of the benign ones had a subsequent histological examination. Th e correlation between cytology and histology revealed 6 false positive cytological results and one false negative. Persuaded by our results, we believe that fine needle aspiration cytology can give highly relia ble information concerning the histological type or primary skin tumou rs. It can also detect or exclude relapses of previously treated neopl asms. The procedure is non-traumatic, safe, quick, inexpensive and ver y well tolerated by the patients.