Liquid-based anal cytology as a screening tool for prevention of anal cancer in at-risk populations: a single-center retrospective analysis on 111 patients

Objective: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in almost 90% of the cases. Its incidence is alarmingly high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and continues to increase at an average rate of 2% per year. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the usefulness and performance of liquid-based anal cytology as a screening tool for prevention and early detection of SCCA in a cohort of at-risk men. Method: We conducted a retrospective study including 111 MSM, aged between 22 and 62 years old, who underwent anal cytological screening with a liquid-based Pap test at our sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) clinic from January 2015 to March 2017. Results: Out of 111 anal smears, 57 (51,4%) resulted negative, 42 (37,8%) abnormal, and 12 (10,8%) unsatisfactory for the cytological evaluation. Only patients with an abnormal cytology underwent anoscopy and subsequent biopsy. The histological results were as follows: negative for squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) in 5 cases, low-grade SIL (L-SIL) in 21, high-grade SIL (H-SIL) in 5, SCCA in 1. Five patients had a normal anoscopy and biopsy was not taken. Conclusion: Liquid-based cytology, reducing the "darkening factors" typical for the conventional smears, has a higher positive predictive value than the traditional technique. Moreover, a cytological diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or L-SILmay hide a severe dysplasia or even a carcinoma. Thus, all patients with an abnormal anal cytology at any grade should be considered for anoscopy. (AU)

Ocular surface findings in impression cytology after interferon a2b or mitomycin C in rabbits / Achados em citologia de impressão da superfície ocular após uso de interferon alfa-2b ou mitomicina C: estudo em coelho

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe ocular surface findings in impression cytology obtained from healthy rabbit conjunctiva treated with interferon alpha-2b eyedrop, and compare them to findings after use of mitomycin C 0.02%. Methods: An experimental study using a rabbit model was performed between September 2013 and October 2014 at the Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Clínica de Olhos Moacir Cunha. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 6 groups and received interferon alpha-2b or mitomycin C 0.02%. Impression cytology (IC) was performed prior to topical applications and at15, 30 and 60 days of use. The following variables were analyzed in impression cytology: goblet cells, cellularity, cell-to-cell adhesion, nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, nuclear chromatin, inflammatory cells keratinization, and cytomegaly. Results: The major findings in impression cytology after us of interferon alpha-2b included loss of goblet cells (50.8%), reduced cell-to-cell adhesion (26.2%), abnormal nucleus/cytoplasm ratio (20%) and reduced cellularity (15.4%). After use of mitomycin C 0.02%, the most common changes included loss of goblet cells (46.2%), abnormal nucleus/cytoplasm ratio (25.6%), less cell-to-cell adhesion (23.1%), and reduced cellularity (20.5%). There were no significant differences in any variable when comparing impression cytology after interferon alpha-2b and after mitomycin C 0.02%. Goblet cell loss was more pronounced at days 30 and 60, as compared to impression cytology at day 15 for both drugs. Conclusion: The loss of goblet cells, reduced cell-to-cell adhesion and cellularity, along with abnormal nucleus/cytoplasm ratio were the most common findings in impression cytology after use of interferon alpha-2b. These findings are similar to those described for use of mitomycin C 0.02%. ..

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os achados em citologia de impressão de conjuntiva sadia de coelho submetida ao uso de colírio de interferon alfa-2b e compará-los ao que foi encontrado após uso da mitomicina C 0,02%. Métodos: Estudo experimental realizado em modelo animal no período entre setembro de 2013 e outubro de 2014 nas dependências da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, da Universidade Federal de São Paulo e da Clínica de Olhos Moacir Cunha. Trinta coelhos albinos da raça Nova Zelândia foram divididos em seis grupos e receberam interferon alfa-2b ou mitomicina C. A citologia de impressão foi realizada antes do início dos colírios e após 15, 30, 60 dias de seu uso. As seguintes variáveis foram analisadas na citologia de impressão: células caliciformes, celularidade, adesão intercelular, razão núcleo/citoplasma, cromatina, células inflamatórias, queratinização e citomegalia. Resultados: Os principais achados na citologia de impressão após o uso do interferon alfa-2b foram a redução de células caliciformes (50,8%), a diminuição da adesão intercelular (26,2%), a alteração da razão N/C (20%) e a redução da celularidade (15,4%). Após o uso da mitomicina C 0,02%, foram mais frequentes a redução das células caliciformes (46,2%), a alteração da razão N/C (25,6%), a adesão intercelular (23,1%) e a redução da celularidade (20,5%). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para nenhuma das variáveis estudas quando se compararam as citologias de impressão após interferon alfa-2b com as citologias de impressão após mitomicina C 0,02%. Independentemente da substância utilizada, as citologias colhidas 30 e 60 dias após início das drogas apresentaram maior redução de células caliciformes quando comparadas com as citologias de impressão colhidas após 15 dias. Conclusão: A redução das células caliciformes, a diminuição da adesão intercelular, a alteração da razão N/C e a diminuição da celularidade foram as alterações mais frequentes na citologia de impressão colhida após o uso de interferon alfa-2b. Os achados em citologias de impressão após o uso de interferon alfa-2b são semelhantes àqueles encontrados após o uso da mitomicina C 0,02%.

Células glandulares atípicas: abordagem ginecológica / Atypical glandular cells: gynecological approach

As células glandulares atípicas representam 0,2% a 2,1% dos resultados dos testes de Papanicolaou. Mesmo com essa baixa prevalência, tem um significado importante no diagnóstico do câncer cervical e endometrial, tendo em vista que tais células e subcategorias, associadas à idade da paciente, podem prenunciar um número expressivo de doença intraepitelial, doença invasiva do endocérvix, endométrio e até neoplasias anexiais. E não se pode esquecer do importante número de resultados histológicos benignos, identificados no seguimento dessas pacientes, muitas vezes assintomáticas.(AU)

Atypical glandular cells represent 0,2% to 2,1% of Pap test results even with this low prevalence has an important significance in the diagnosis of cervical and endometrial cancer, considering that such cells and subcategories associated with the patient's age can predict a significant number of intraepithelial disease, invasive disease of the endometrium, endocervix and even adnexial neoplasms; no forgetting the important number of benign histological results, identified in the follow up of these patients, often asymptomatic.(AU)

How a discerning cytological examination can aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases: case reports

Infections caused by uncommon and resistant pathogens in unusual sites have been increasingly reported in medical literature. We describe four cases of rare cytological findings and clinical impact for patients. In the first case, Aspergillus sp and Pneumocystis jirovecii were observed in the bronchoalveolar lavage of a patient with severe systemic lupus. In the second and third cases, we describe the presence of Trichomonas sp and Strongyloides sp larvae in samples of pleural and peritoneal fluid, respectively. The fourth report is about a patient with a wrist subcutaneous nodule whose synovial aspiration and cytology revealed the presence of brown septate hyphae. The early identification of the infectious agent in the cytological examination was essential for the introduction and/or re-adaptation of therapy in the four cases described. Patients in this report were immunocompromised with severe comorbidities, conditions often associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes.

Research Advances in the Diagnostic Value of Rapid On-site Evaluation in Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Lung Cancer / 中国医学科学院学报

Rapid on-site evaluation(ROSE),an auxiliary sampling quality evaluation technology,can be used to evaluate the adequacy and diagnostic category of samples,judge the histological type of lung cancer,and optimize the gene type of lung cancer.Applying ROSE to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of suspected lung cancer can improve the puncture success rate and diagnostic rate and reduce complications and puncture attempts.Rose performed via remote cytopathology technology or by trained respiratory specialists may become the future trends.

Lesão folicular: correlação entre achados da punção aspirativa por agulha fina de tireoide e exame anatomopatológico / Follicular lesion: correlation between findings of fine needle aspiration of thyroid and histological study

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: A punção aspirativa por agulha fina é um método de alta acurácia no diagnóstico pré-operatório de nódulos tireoidianos, porém, quando se trata de lesões de padrão folicular, ainda há limitação diagnóstica na distinção entre lesões benignas e malignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a taxa de malignidade em lesões foliculares de tireoide a partir do exame anatomopatológico de pacientes cirurgicamente tratados em centro médico quaternário. MÉTODOS: Análise observacional retrospectiva dos casos de lesão folicular de tireoide investigados em ambiente ambulatorial pela disciplina de Endocrinologia do Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto no período entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de dezembro de 2012. RESULTADOS: Dentre o total de 1.150 punções aspirativa por agulha fina realizadas, 841 tiveram diagnóstico citológico de benignidade (73,13%), 117 tiveram diagnóstico de malignidade (10,17%) e 192 tiveram diagnóstico de lesão folicular de significado indeterminado (16,70%). Destes, 144 (75%) foram submetidos à tireoidectomia para diagnóstico anatomopatológico confirmatório, tendo prevalência de malignidade em 36,80%. Houve predomínio do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide (20,83%), seguido do carcinoma folicular de tireoide(15,28%) e apenas um caso de carcinoma medular de tireoide (0,69%). CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de malignidade nas citologias de padrão folicular, após correlação histológica neste serviço, foi superior à estimada na literatura, o que evidencia o valor da punção aspirativa por agulha fina como um exame de screening de nódulos tireoidianos e reforça a importância da confirmação histopatológica, para correto tratamento e seguimento desses pacientes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The fine needle aspiration is a method of high accuracy in preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules, but when it comes to follicular lesions there are still limitations in diagnostic distinction between benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of malignancy in thyroid follicular lesions from the pathologic exam of patients surgically treated in a quaternary medical center. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis of cases of thyroid follicular lesions investigated in an outpatient basis by the Endocrinology Department, at Hospital de Base, in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, in the period between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012. RESULTS: Among a total of 1,150 fine needle aspirations, 841 had benign cytological diagnosis (73.13%), 117 had diagnosis of malignancy (10.17%) and 192 had diagnosis of follicular lesions of undetermined significance (16.70%). Of these, 144 (75%) underwent thyroidectomy for confirmatory histological diagnosis, with prevalence of malignancy in 36.80%. There was a predominance of papillary thyroid carcinoma (20.83%), followed by follicular thyroid carcinoma (15.28%) and only one case of medullary thyroid carcinoma (0.69%). CONCLUSION: The rate of malignancy in follicular cytology after histologic correlation in our service was higher than that estimated in the literature, showing the value of fine needle aspiration as a screening test for thyroid nodules, and reinforcing the importance of histopathological confirmation for correct handling and follow-up of these patients.

Cytomorphometrical Analysis of Exfoliated Buccal Mucosal Cells: Effect of Smoking.

Introduction: Exfoliative cytology is a non-aggressive, non-invasive procedure with higher patient compliance and is therefore, an attractive technique for the early diagnosis of oral lesions. Th e purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare cytological changes using morphometric analysis of the exfoliated buccal mucosal cells in smokers, with results obtained for non-smokers. Methods: Smears were collected from the clinically normal buccal mucosa of 120 individuals. Age range of subjects taken was 40-60 years. Smears were then stained with Papanicolaou stain. Results: Mean NA for smokers was signifi cantly elevated compared with the mean NA for non-smokers. Mean CA in smokers was decreased as compared to non-smokers but the diff erence was not signifi cant. Also, N/C ratio was signifi cantly elevated in smokers group. With increasing heavy exposure in duration of years, Cytomorphometric changes show signifi cant altered values for all three measured parameters (NA, CA and N/C ratio). Conclusion: Increase in NA and decreased CA as well as altered N/C ratio would appear to be due to smoking tobacco. Cytomorphometric analysis can be used regularly to detect these cell alterations. Th is method can also aid in motivating individuals to withdraw from adverse eff ects of tobacco smoking. Currently, use of exfoliative cytology has increased as an adjunct to screening of precancerous lesions and malignancies of the oral cavity.

Avaliação do desempenho da citologia em meio líquido versus citologia convencional no Sistema Único de Saúde / Performance evaluation of cytology in liquid medium versus conventional cytology in the Health System

O câncer de colo uterino ainda é um problema de saúde pública, principalmente nos países menos desenvolvidos. O teste de Papanicolaou é preconizado como método de rastreamento populacional; porém, limitações da citologia convencional (CC), levam à baixa sensibilidade, altos índices de amostras insatisfatórias e interferentes pré-analíticos. A partir da década de 90, a técnica de citologia em meio líquido (CML), passou a ser utilizada em alguns países, apresentando como principais vantagens: redução dos interferentes pré-analíticos, possibilidade de confecção de novas lâminas e realização de testes moleculares a partir de uma única coleta. No Brasil, poucos estudos avaliam seu desempenho no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em população não controlada. O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o desempenho da CML em relação à CC, aplicado ao SUS. Trata-se de um estudo comparativo entre dados de diagnóstico de CC obtidos a partir do banco de dados do SISCOLO nos anos de 2009 (15.127) e 2010 (16.373), e amostras prospectivas de CML (BD SurePath™) colhidas em 2011 (9.764). Todas as amostras foram analizadas no Laboratório de Citologia Oncótica do Instituto Adolfo Lutz (LCO-IAL) e seguiram as normas de controle de qualidade interno. O projeto teve financiamento PPSUS-FAPESP (n° 2009-53133-2) e foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética do Instituto Adolfo Lutz. Para avaliar a diferença estatística foi aplicado o teste-z com 5% de significância. Das amostras (31.500) obtidas pela técnica de CC, 88,70% foram diagnosticadas como negativo para malignidade, 7,80% suspeitas ou positivas e 3,50% insatisfatória. Das amostras de CML, 88,18% foram negativas, 11,57% suspeitas ou positivas e 0,25% insatisfatórias. Os casos diagnosticados como suspeitos ou positivos pela técnica de CC e CML distribuíram-se em: 4,52% e 6,98% ASC-US (p<0,001), 0,49% e 0,48% ASC-H, 0,54% e 0,26% AGC (p<0,001), 1,82% e 3,48% LSIL (p<0,001), 0,36% e 0,33% HSIL, 0,06% e 0,04% lesões invasivas...

Cancer of the cervix is still a public health problem, mainly in less developed countries. The Pap test is recommended as a method of population screening, however limitations of conventional cytology (CC), brings to low sensitivity, high rates of unsatisfactory samples andpre-analytical interferences. Since the 90s, the technique of liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been used in some countries, having as main advantages: reduction of pre-analytical interferences, possibility of making new slides and additional molecular tests to from a single collection. In Brazil, few studies have evaluated its performance in the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) in non-controlled population. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of LBC in relation to CC, applied to SUS. This is a comparative study between diagnostic data obtained from the CC database SISCOLO in the years 2009 (15.127) and 2010 (16.373), and prospective samples of LBC (BD SurePath ™) collected in 2011 (9,764). All samples were analyzed at the Laboratory of Cytology of the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL-LCO) and followed the rules for internal quality control. The project was funded by PPSUS-FAPESP (No. 2009-53133-2) and was approved by the ethics committee of the Instituto Adolfo Lutz. To assess the statistical significance test-z was applied with 5% significance. The samples (31,500) obtained by the technique of CC, 88.70% were diagnosed as negative for malignancy, suspicious or positive 7.80% and 3.50% unsatisfactory. Among the LBC samples, 88.18% were negative; 11.57% suspicious or positive and 0.25% unsatisfactory. The cases diagnosed as suspicious or positive by the techniques of CC and LBC were distributed as: 4.52% and 6.98% ASC-US (p <0.001), 0.49% and 0.48% ASC-H, 0 54% and 0.26%AGC (p <0.001), 1.82% and 3.48% LSIL (p <0.001) and 0.36% and 0.33%HSIL, 0.06% and 0.04 % invasive lesions. The average time for the technical processing of a sample by the technique of CC was 8 minutes and 4 minutes...

Prognostic implications of cytopathologic classification of melanocytic uveal tumors evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy / Implicação prognóstica da classificação citopatológica dos tumores melanocíticos da úvea avaliados pela biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina

PURPOSE: Determine whether cytopathologic classification of melanocytic uveal tumors evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a significant prognostic factor for death from metastasis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of cases of clinically diagnosed uveal melanoma evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy from 1980 to 2006. Main outcome evaluated was death from metastasis. Associations between baseline clinical variables and cytopathologic classification were evaluated using cross-tabulation. Prognostic significance of cytopathologic classification was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: Of 302 studied biopsies, 260 (86.1%) yielded sufficient cells for cytopathologic classification. Eighty of the 260 patients who had a sufficient specimen have already died (P=0.021), 69 from metastatic uveal melanoma. Cell type assigned by cytopathology was strongly associated with metastasis/metastatic death in this series (P=0.0048). Multivariate analysis showed cytopathologic classification to be an independently significant prognostic factor for metastatic death (P=0.0006). None of the 42 patients whose tumor yielded insufficient aspirates (sampled in at least two sites) have developed metastasis or died of metastasis thus far. CONCLUSION: In this series, cytopathology of fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples obtained from uveal melanomas was strongly prognostic of death from metastasis. Insufficiently aspirates (2 or more sites sampled) proved to be prognostic of a favorable outcome (i.e., not developing metastasis).

OBJETIVO: Determinar se a classificação citopatológica de tumores melanocíticos da úvea avaliados pela biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina (BAAF) é um fator prognóstico significativo para óbito por metástases. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de casos diagnosticados clinicamente como melanoma uveal e avaliados pela biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina entre 1980 e 2006. O evento principal analisado foi óbito por metástase. Associações entre variáveis clínicas à apresentação e classificação citopatológica foram avaliadas usando tabulação cruzada. Significância prognóstica da classificação citopatológica foi avaliada por análise de riscos proporcionais de Cox e Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Das 302 biópsias estudadas, 260 (86,1%) renderam um número suficiente de células para classificação citopatológica. Oitenta dos 260 pacientes que obtiveram um espécime suficiente (adequado) foram a óbito (P=0,021), 69 destes por melanoma uveal metastático. O tipo celular designado pela citopatologia apresentou forte associação com metástase/óbito por metástase nessa série (P=0,0048). Análise multivariada mostrou que a classificação citopatológica foi um fator prognóstico independente significativo para o óbito por metástase (P=0,0006). Nenhum dos 42 pacientes cujos tumores renderam um aspirado insuficiente (quando foram amostrados pelo menos 2 sítios) desenvolveu metástase e foi a óbito por metástase até o presente momento. CONCLUSÃO: Nessa série, a citopatologia dos espécimes obtidos pela biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina de melanomas uveais foi fortemente prognóstica para óbito por metástase. Os aspirados insuficientes (se duas ou mais áreas foram amostradas) provou ser um resultado prognóstico favorável (i.e., de não desenvolvimento de metástases).

Evaluation of the cell block technique as an auxiliary method of diagnosing jawbone lesions

This study investigated the viability of the cell block technique as an auxiliary method of diagnosing jawbone lesions. Thirty-three clinically diagnosed jawbone lesions with a cystic appearance were subjected to aspiration. The aspirated material was processed by the cell block technique, and the lesions were biopsied and treated. Cytological findings (cell block) and histopathology analyses (gold standard) were compared by the chi-square test. There were associations between cysts and cholesterol crystal clefts, between keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOT) and epithelial cells, and between KOT and parakeratin. The occurrence of cholesterol crystal clefts in cell block slides was correlated with cystic lesions, and the parakeratin presence was a KOT indicator. The cell block technique proved to be fast, easy-to-handle, and low-cost, making it an attractive auxiliary method for the preliminary diagnosis of jawbone lesions.

Cáncer anal invasor: análisis de la incidencia en grupos de riesgo en una serie retrospectiva / Invasive anal cancer: analysis of its incidence in high risk group in a retrospective database

Introducción: El cáncer epidermoide de ano incrementó su incidencia de manera exponencial en las últimas décadas. Todos los estudios que investigan la aplicabilidad del papanicolaou anal (PAP) y la anoscopía de alta resolución (AAR) focalizan el estudio en los varones homosexuales con serología VIH positiva. Otros grupos de riesgo son las mujeres con antecedentes de infección genital por HPV y los transplantados e inmunosuprimidos por otras causas. Sin embargo, se observó en nuestra institución una alta proporción de cáncer de ano en pacientes que no encuadraban en estos grupos de riesgo, especialmente mujeres mayores de 60 años. Material y Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico sobre una base de datos y búsqueda en historias clínicas que incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de ano evaluados en el período marzo de 2001 - marzo de 2011 por el equipo de proctologia del Hospital Ramos Mejia. Se excluyó del análisis a los pacientes con adenocarcinomas de recto, neoplasias cutáneas (melanoma, carcinoma basocelular) y a los que presentaron lesiones anales displásicas (no carcinoma invasor). Resultados: Durante el periodo estudiado se registraron 36 casos con cáncer anal. La edad media de presentación fue de 55,5 años. Se trató de 15 mujeres y 21 hombres (relación mujer/hombre 0,71). Discriminando por edades se trató en 7 casos de menores de 40 años, otros 13 casos de 41-60 años y 16 mayores de 61 años. Dos mujeres entre 10 tenían antecedentes de neoplasias genitales por HPV (1 carcinoma invasor de cérvix y 1 lesión intraepitelial cervical de alto grado) y habían sido tratados con intención curativa. Todos los hombres practicaban el coito anal y 15 individuos presentaban infección por VIH, 13 hombres y 2 mujeres. Ninguno fue transplantado...

Background: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) rates increased greatly in last decades. There is a connection between HPV viral infection and anal cancer growth, particularly in HIV-infected patients. The majority of papers are advocated to investigate anal pap smear and high-resolution anoscopy in the HIV-infected male who have sex with men group. Other high-risk groups are women with HPV-related disease, organ transplant recipients and immunosuppressed patients. However, we observed a high rate of anal cancer in patients who did not fit for these criteria, especially older women (beyond 60 years old). Patients and Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective study based on a database and medical records. It included all patients evaluated from March 2001 to March 2011 with diagnosis of anal cancer in Hospital J. M. Ramos Mejía. We excluded rectal adenocarcinomas, skin neoplasms and dysplastic anal lesions (non-invasive cancer). Results: During the period of study 36 anal cancers were diagnosed. Median age was 55,5 years. There were 15 women and 21 men (women/men 0,71). Analysis by age showed 7 cases younger than 40 years old, 13 cases between 41-60 years old and finally, 16 cases older than 61 years. Two women in ten had previous diagnosis of gynaecologie HPV-related disease (1 cervical squamous cell cancer and 1 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and had been treated with curative­intention procedures. All men practiced anal intercourse. Fifteen were HIV-infected, 13 men and 2 women. There were no transplant-recipient cases. Discussion: Anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy were proposed to assess early lesions in high-risk groups (including HIV-infected, MSM, transplant-recipient patients and women with HPV-related disease). We found in our patients a high-rate of anal invasive carcinoma in women older than 60 years old, with no risk-factors associated...

Reliability of acridine orange fluorescence microscopy in oral cytodiagnosis.

Context and Aims: The oral cavity is the most predominant location in the head and neck region for primary malignant epithelial tumors. Oral cancer is estimated to be the sixth most common malignancy. Early recognition is imperative for successful treatment and good prognosis. Exfoliative cytology is a simple and reasonably effective technique for rapid initial evaluation of a suspicious oral lesion. The present study was conducted to determine the reliability of acridine orange fluorescence microscopy for cytodiagnosis as a more rapid and easier method for the final evaluation of the cytological specimen. Materials and Methods: Smears were collected from 20 individuals with oral lesions suspicious of malignancy, oral lesions not suggestive of malignancy and normal buccal mucosa. One smear was stained with Papanicolaou stain and another one with acridine orange stain. The differences in the study group and control group were compared by means of the χ2 (Chi-square) test. The results were considered statistically significant whenever P was <0.05. Results: The acridine orange fluorescence stain reliably demonstrated malignant cells based on the differential fluorescence - a cytochemical criterion. The efficacy of the stain was higher than the conventional Papanicolaou stain in screening of oral lesions suspicious of malignancy. However, the acridine orange fluorescence stain did not differentiate effectively between malignant cells and rapidly proliferating cells, as the technique is based on the nucleic acid content. Conclusion: The fluorescent acridine orange method can be used reliably for the screening of carcinomas and it is especially helpful in the follow-up detection of recurrent carcinoma in previously treated cases.

Cell block technique as a complementary method in the clinical diagnosis of cyst-like lesions of the jaw

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of the cell block technique as a complementary method for presumptive diagnosis in the analysis of cyst-like aspirates from jaw lesions prior to histopathological diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was made up of 17 cyst-like jaw lesions. After puncture, the aspirates were centrifuged, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin and processed. All lesions were biopsied and submitted to histopathological examination. RESULTS: In 9 cases, the cytopathological analysis using the cell block method showed a predominant presence of erythrocytes, inflammatory cells and few epithelial cells. In the other 8 cases, the cell block technique demonstrated the presence of parakeratin, whose histopathological analysis confirmed the occurrence of keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs). CONCLUSIONS: According to the studied cases, the cell block method was proven to be a simple, fast and low-cost technique to effectively differentiate KOTs from other lesions with similar clinical and radiographic features. The cell block technique comprises cellular preparations useful to determine a clinical diagnosis and help to develop a therapeutic plan for those lesions.

Atlas de citohistopatología del cervix: una alternativa en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura Citodiagnóstico / Cytohistopathology atlas of the cervix: an alternative in the teaching-learning process in the cytodiagnosis subject

La Informática ha tenido en los computadores, un representante primordial para la solución de múltiples problemas educacionales con la utilización del software educativo. La imagen, como parte esencial de éste, es clave en la actividad médica, en el estudio y el diagnóstico citológico de pacientes con múltiples afecciones. Para el tecnólogo de la salud con perfil Citohistopatología, resulta de vital importancia el aprendizaje de procesos citopatológicos cervicovaginales a través de imágenes, pues permite adquirir las habilidades necesarias y perfeccionarlas durante los estudios de pregrado y postgrado respectivamente. A partir de estas consideraciones y con el empleo de las Nuevas Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones (NTIC), se elaboró un atlas de Citohistopatología cervicovaginal, utilizando la herramienta informática Macromedia Dreamweaver MX, sustentado en una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica relacionada con la informática educativa y recursos multimedia(AU)

The Informatics has had in the computers, a primary representative for the solution of multiple educational problems with the utilization of the educational software. The image as essential part of this is key in the medical activity, in the study and patient´s cytological diagnosis with multiple affections. For the technologist of health with profile Cytohistopathology, the learning of cervicovaginal processes though images is very important because it permits to acquire necessary abilities and to make them perfect during the studies of grade and post grade respectively. Starting from these considerations and with the job of New Technologies of Information Technology and the Communications (CINT) a Cervicovaginal Cytopathology´s Atlas using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX tool, sustained in an exhaustive bibliographic related revision with the educational information technology and multimedia resources(AU)

Lesões escamosas intraepiteliais de baixo grau: conduta em mulheres adultas / Low-grade intraepithelial lesions: management in adult women

O objetivo deste estudo foi rever o acompanhamento adequado das pacientes adultas com diagnóstico citológico de lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau (LSIL). Foi realizada busca eletrônica de publicações no Medline, SciELO e Mesh (por meio do PubMed), LILACS, EBSCO e Google Acadêmico. As diretrizes foram identificadas e sumarizadas. As diretrizes consideradas válidas foram aquelas elaboradas para França, Canadá, Brasil, Europa, Estados Unidos, Nova Zelândia, Hong Kong e Índia. Tais documentos recomendaram três estratégias diferentes: repetição da citopatologia com intervalo de seis meses antes de encaminhar para colposcopia, encaminhamento direto à colposcopia ou realização do teste de DNA do papilomavírus humano (HPV) nas pacientes com diagnóstico de LSIL. As recomendações encontradas variam de acordo com fatores relacionados à paciente e às condições governamentais de cada país. Concluiu-se que a repetição citológica no intervalo de seis meses, conduta preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde, mostra-se adequada em termos de custo-efetividade para a realidade do Brasil

The purpose of this work was to review the appropriate management of adult patients with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) citologic diagnosis. An electronic search of publications in Medline, Scielo and Mesh (through PubMed), LILACS, EBSCO and Academic Google was carried out. The valid guidelines considered were those prepared for France, Canada, Brazil, Europe, United States, New Zealand, Hong Kong and India. Such documents recommend three different strategies: to repeat citopathology at intervals of six months before refer to colposcopy, to refer directly to colposcopy or to carry out the human papiloma virus (HPV) DNA test in patients with LSIL diagnosis. The recommendations found varied according to factors related to the patient and the governmental conditions of each country. It was concluded that repeat citopathology at intervals of six months, management recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, is appropriate in terms of cost-effectiveness for Brazil

Sistema para diagnóstico citológico de la mastopatía fibroquística por biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina / The cytodiagnosis of fibrocystic mastopathy use of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB)

Se estudiaron 124 mastopatías benignas con hiperplasia epitelial diagnosticadas por citología aspirativa durante los años 2005-2006 y que fueron intervenidas quirúrgicamente. OBJETIVO: establecer criterios diagnósticos citológicos para los grados de Mastopatía fibroquística y crear un sistema cito patológico. MÉTODOS: en las láminas revisadas se definió, grado de celularidad con el análisis de 10 campos ópticos panorámicos 5x, patrones citológicos, atipia celular y elementos del fondo. RESULTADOS: la celularidad aumenta de leve a marcada desde la Mastopatía fibroquística Grado I a la Mastopatía fibroquística Grado III; en el patrón de agrupación presentado, las sábanas monoestratificadas en panal de abeja de talla pequeña y mediana se presentaron en los Grados del I al III, pero los grupos poliestratificados en bolas circunscritos con o sin empalizadas periféricas predominaron en los Grados II y III, al igual que la presencia de sábanas de epitelio apocrino con o sin papilomatosis; los grupos poliestratificados, discohesivos fueron característicos del Grados III. La atipia leve o moderada se presentó en aislados casos de los Grados I y II y la severa en el Grado III. En los elementos del fondo analizados las células mioepiteliales o núcleos bipolares desnudos fueron un elemento constante en los Grados del I al III. CONCLUSIONES: los errores presentados que provocaron la no correlación cito histológica fueron de muestreo e interpretación de la biopsia aspirtiva con aguja fian (BAAF) y en menor frecuencia errores de muestreo de la biopsia convencional cuyas causas fundamentales pueden ser en el momento de la exéresis del nódulo por el cirujano o por la toma de un número inadecuado de fragmentos por el anatomopatólogo en la pieza quirúrgica.

One hundred and twenty four benign mastopathies with epithelial hyperplasia were studied, diagnosed by aspiration cytology during 2005-2006 operated on. OBJECTIVE: To establish cytology diagnostic criteria for fibrocystic mastopathy degrees, and to create a cytopathology system. METHODS: In study slides it was defined the cellular degree with analysis of ten 5x- panoramic optical fields, cytological patterns, cellular atypia, and background elements. RESULTS: Cellularity increase from slight to marked of Grade I fibrocystic mastoplasty to Grade III fibrocystic mastoplasty in grouping pattern presented; monostratified sheets in little and medium size honeycomb were in I and III degrees, but in polystratified groups in limited balls with or without peripheral stockades predominate in II and III Grades, as well as presence of sheets of aprocrine epithelium with or without papillomatosis; non-cohesive polystratified groups were characteristic of III Grades. Slight or moderade atypia was present in isolated cases of I and II Grades, and the severe one in III Grade. In analyzed background elements myoepithelial cells or naked bipolar nuclei were a persistent element in I and III Grades. CONCLUSIONS: Errors presented provoking the non-cytohistological correlation were sampling end interpretation of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), and in a lower frequency, the sampling errors of conventional biopsy whose main causes may be at nodule exeresis by surgeon, or by taking of a unsuitable number of fragments by anatomist-pathologist in surgical sample.

Citologia de Tzanck: redescobrindo uma antiga ferramenta diagnóstica / Tzanck smears: an old but useful diagnostic tool

A citologia de Tzanck consiste em método simples e confiável para o diagnóstico de dermatoses virais, parasitárias, autoimunes e tumorais. Para exemplificar o emprego do teste de Tzanck em lesões vésico-bolhosas, um caso de pênfigo vulgar é descrito, cuja citologia e imunofluorescência direta, utilizando-se esfregaço coletado de lesão oral, confirmaram o diagnóstico de forma rápida e fácil.

Tzanck smears can be used for the diagnosis of cutaneous infections, autoimmune disorders and cutaneous tumors. To exemplify its use, we report a case of a female patient with pemphigus vulgaris whose diagnosis was confirmed by positive direct immunofluorescence and conventional cytology using smears obtained by scraping the cheek mucosa.

Determinación del VPH en cavidad oral: por técnica del hisopo / HPV determination in oral cavity: by hyssop technique

En este estudio nos proponemos determinar la presencia del VPH en cavidad oral por técnica de hisopado. Se utilizó una muestra de 85 pacientes que por medio de exámenes clínicos y cito-histopatológico se determinó la presencia de la infección por VPH en extendidos de Papanicolaou en la cavidad bucal a través de tomas de hisopado faríngeo. De los 85 pacientes estudiados, 49 eran de sexo femenino y 36 masculinos. En el diagnóstico microscópico 7 pacientes resultaron positivos para VPH de los cuales eran 6 mujeres (6 por ciento) y 1 hombre (1 por ciento). La mayor presencia del VPH en nuestro estudio por sexo fue en el femenino con un 6 por ciento, siendo pacientes que presentaban más de 3 a 5 parejas por año, ubicándose entre los 23 y 48 años de edad en la población estudiada, de los cuales el 100 por ciento de ellos refirió inicio precoz de relaciones sexuales antes de los 20 años. La aplicación del tratamiento estadístico de Alfa de Crombach reportó un 71 por ciento de significancia, concluyendo que la técnica de determinación de VPH por hisopado es un exámen fácil, manejo rápido, económico y que puede ser empleado como protocolo para la determinación precoz de lesiones de cavidad oral y su correlación con VPH genital. Esta técnica se podrá incluir como método de pesquisa en población a riesgo a infección de VPH y por ende hacer diagnóstico en etapas premalignas de la enfermedad.

The objective of this study is to determine the presence of the HPV in oral cavity by hyssop technique. We used a sample of 85 patients who by means of clinical examinations and cytology pathology determined the presence of the infection by HVP in extended of Papanicolaou in the oral cavity through takings of hyssop pharyngeal. Of the 85 studied patients, 49 were of feminine sex and 36 masculine ones. In the microscopic diagnosis 7 patients were positive for HVP from which they were 6 women (6 %) and 1 man (1 %). The greater presence of the HVP in our study by sex was in the feminine one with a 6 %, being patient that presented of 3 to 5 pairs per year, being located enters the 23 and 48 years of age in the studied population, of which the 100 % of them referred precocious beginning of sexual relations before the 20 years, the application of the statistical treatment of Alpha of Crombach reported a 71 % of significance, concluding that the technique of hyssop determination of HVP is an easy examination handling, express, economic and that can be used as a protocol for the precocious determination of injuries in oral cavity and its correlation with genital VPH. This technique could be included as method of screening program to VPH infection and therefore at risk be made diagnosis in premalignant stages of the disease.

Correlación citohistológica en las neoplasias intraepiteliales cervicales y en la identificación del VPH en esas lesiones / Cytohistological correlation in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias and in detection of HPV in these types of lesions

La citología orgánica del cérvix y el estudio histológico de las displasias o de lesiones por el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) junto a la colposcopía son las bases que sustentan el diagnóstico de la Neoplasia intraepitelial cervical y su correlación brinda un buen índice de diagnóstico para el VPH. OBJETIVOS: establecer la correlación diagnóstica entre la citología y la histología en el diagnóstico de las NIC e identificar la presencia del virus del papiloma humano mediante la citología e histología en las pacientes con lesiones displásicas del cuello. MÉTODOS: se realizó una investigación prospectiva y abierta en un grupo de 205 mujeres con el diagnóstico citológico de neoplasia intraepitelial cervical. De ellas, 150 correspondían con el diagnóstico de NIC II, NIC III y 55 NIC I, en el Servicio de Ginecología del Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas (CIMEQ) durante el período 1994-2005. RESULTADOS: el diagnóstico citológico al compararlo con el resultado de la biopsia coincidió en el 97,3 por ciento en las lesiones de alto grado y en el 90,9 por ciento para las de bajo grado. En ocho de cada 10 mujeres con una lesión de bajo grado (NIC I) se detectó la presencia del VPH y en siete de cada 10 de las que presentaban una lesión de alto grado (NIC II - III). CONCLUSIONES: cuando las lesiones intraepiteliales cervicales son de alto grado, la correlación citológica e histológica es más exacta. La histología es más eficaz para el diagnóstico de infección por VPH que la citología.

Organ cytology of cervix and the histological study of dysplasias or of lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) together with colposcopy are the basis supporting the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and their correlation offers a good diagnostic indicator for HPV. OBJECTIVES: to set the diagnostic correlation between cytology and histology in cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN) diagnosis and to detect the presence of human papilloma virus through cytology and histology in patients with dysplastic lesions in the uterine neck. METHODS: a prospective open research study was performed on a group of 205 females with cytological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Of this amount, 150 were diagnosed as CIN II and CIN III whereas 55 were classified as CIN I at the Gynecology Service of the Medical and Surgical Research Center (CIMEQ) from 1994 to 2005. RESULTS: cytological diagnosis agreed with the biopsy results in 97,3 percent of high degree lesions and in 90,9 percent of low degree lesions. Human papilloma virus was present in eight out of 10 women with low degree lesions (CIN I) and in seven out of 10 women with high degree lesions (CIN II and III). CONCLUSIONS: when there are high degree cervical intraepithelial lesions, the cytological and histological correlation is more accurate. Histology is more effective in diagnosing human papilloma virus infection than cytology.

Examen citológico anal: prevalencia y citomorfología de las anormalidades / Anal cytological examination: histological and cellular parameters

Introducción: El estudio citológico anal es usado más frecuentemente como un test de screening para detectar las lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas anales (ASIL en inglés). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo la evaluación del uso y limitaciones del citológico anal en busca de la ASIL. Método: Se realizó un examen citológico anal de un hemiano, raspando con un bisturí y colocando en portaobjetos. Estos se sumergieron por espacio de un minuto en alcohol 96 por ciento y luego se llevaron al laboratorio para tinción y análisis. Fueron recolectadas 200 muestras. Pacientes: 100 pacientes fueron operados del ano desde Julio 2007 hasta Mayo 2008, que se separaron en varios grupos según la patología anal. Resultados: 55 pacientes fueron mujeres. El promedio de edad fue 47 años. La patología más frecuente por la cual los pacientes fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente fue hemorroides. También hubieron fistulas y fisuras, así como condilomas. Encontramos metaplasia en el 60 por ciento de los pacientes y ninguna displasia severa. Se describieron las morfologías celulares que acompañan a la metaplasia. Conclusiones: En este estudio el examen citológico anal tiene una alta sensibilidad para la detección de metaplasia y displasia en pacientes de la población general operados del ano. Por lo tanto sugerimos que se realice en todos los pacientes que vayan a ser operados del ano o que consulten por patología anal, pues es un estudio sencillo de realizar y poco costoso, demostrando que hay muchos pacientes con cambios en el epitelio anal.

Introduction: The anal cytological study is mostly used as a screening test to detect anal scamous intraepithelial lesions (ASIL), among high risk populations. The objective of this study was to assess the use and limitations of the anal cytological one, as well as, to establish the parameters of histology and cytology. Method: An anal histological examination was performed with a curettage, and the material obtained was placed in a slide. It is submerged in 96 per cent alcohol for one minute and then, it is taken to the laboratory to be tinted. 200 samples were collected from 100 patients. Patients: These 100 patients underwent anal surgery from July 2007 to May 2008. They were organized in several groups in accordance with the anal pathology. Results: 55 of them were women. Average age was 47 years old. The most frequent pathology the patients were operated on was hemorrhoids. There were also, fistulas and fissures, as well as condylomas. Metaplasia was observed in 60 per cent of the patients. The cellular morphologies that come with metaplasia were described. Conclusions: In this study, the anal cytological examination is highly sensitive to metaplasia and displasia detection, in patients who underwent anal surgery. Thus, we recommend this study to all patients who will undergo anal surgery or who enquire about any anal pathology. This is a simple and cheap study, and shows that there are a lot of patients with changes in the anal epithelium.