A new method for the rapid microscopical diagnosis of tumours: With an account of 200 cases so examined

Abstract

VARIOUS methods have from time to tinic been introduced for thc rapid microscopical esamination of new growths and inflammatory tissues removed a t operation, but on the whole the results have not been satisfactory, owing to the imperfect preparations obtained in the short spacc of time allowcd. Thc latc Professor S. G. Shattock, to whom English surgeons of experience rcferred for a final opinion on the microscopical examination of new growths, was strongly opposed to methods of rapid diagnosis, owing to errors dependent upon the technique and the short time available for microscopical examination. Dr. E. H. Shawl, howcver, has done much work on the perfccting of a method for the rapid diagnosis of ncw growths, and in his hands the results obtained have 1m.n Very successful.It occurred to us that as perfect preparations of intestinal parasites are obtained when films of intestinal mucus or fzeces arc fixed in the wet in Schaudinn's fluid, it might be possible to cmploy this method for the examination of new growths. Dudgeon and Jewesburyz used Schaudinn's solution for the cytological cxamination of human milk, and as a result obtained beautiful preparations of the various cells. In our hands wet films of new growths and inflammatory tissues removed a t operation have given a rapid and easily workable tcchnical method. The results of the first 200 consecutive specimens studied by this method, upon which this paper is based, have been very successful, as judged by the control examination of sections of the same tissue prepared in paraffin by the usual technique.Experience is required for this rapid method, as for all othcr laboratory methods, and it is essential to possess a sound knowledge of the microscopical study of new growths and inflammatory tissues by the usual technique. We consider that the advantages of the method arc the beautiful preparation of individual cells and fragments of tissue which are seen in the films, the simplicity of the technique, and the small amount of material required for the preparation of thc films ; all the necessary apparatus, with the exception of the microscope, can easily be carried in a portable casc 12 in. by 8 in. by 3 in. Mistakes have occurred, but they are few in number, and only 6 out of 200 cxaminations were definitely serious errors. It is possible that in course of time, and with greater knowledgc of this method, such mistakes will hc less

Value of imprint cytology for ultrasound-guided transthoracic core biopsy

“…Since the introduction of imprint cytology for surgical pathology by DUDGEON and PATRICK [8] in 1927, this technique has been widely accepted as an adjunct to frozen section histopathology for intra-operative diagnosis [9][10][11][12][13]. With the exception of intra-operative diagnosis, imprint cytology has been used to obtain a rapid diagnosis for intra-abdominal lesions [14] and core biopsy of breast, as well as bronchoscopic forcep biopsies.…”

“…Intra-operative cytology of touch preparations has been used as an alternative to frozen section since it was first reported in 1927 [8][9][10][11][12][13]. This method has been utilised to obtain immediate cytological diagnosis for core needle and bronchoscopic forcep biopsies [14][15][16].…”

Role of imprint cytology in intraoperative diagnosis: value and limitations.

“…Another method is the examination of imprints of fresh specimens. This technique was favourably reported by Dudgeon and Patrick (1927) and Bamforth and Osborn (1958), but not until recently has it achieved the recognition it deserves in the English literature (Pickren and Burke, 1963;Tribe, 1965;Godwin, 1968;Silverberg, 1975;Suen et al, 1976;Godwin, 1976). Despite its simplicity, speed, and excellent cellular detail, we believe many centres are still not utilising the technique to its fullest extent.…”

Utility of touch imprint cytology as an adjunct to core needle biopsy of breast lump

“…[5]Since then it has been used by many investigators to evaluate sentinel node in breast cancer [3], mucosal cut margins in oral cancer [6] and as an adjunct to intraoperative frozen section [7].…”