[Imprint cytology in the diagnosis of tumors of the thyroid]. / Apports de la cytologie d'apposition dans le diagnostic des tumeurs de la thyroïde.

We have correlated imprint cytology findings in thyroid tumors to the results of preoperative fine needle aspiration and operative specimen histology. Specificity of imprint cytology proved greater than that of fine needle aspiration cytology and topographic correlations were particularly helpful. Imprint cytology can improve the intraoperative histologic diagnosis. Because abundant cells are available, imprint thyroid cytology is ideal for teaching and training cytologists. Imprint cytology provides enough cells to perform special techniques, such as quantitative cytology, that are useful for the diagnosis of some tumor varieties (e.g. follicular tumors).

Breast masses: US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Real-time ultrasonography (US) was used to guide fine-needle aspiration biopsy of 111 breast masses and three axillary lymph nodes. The masses included 51 (45%) nonpalpable lesions. Two different guidance techniques were used, with satisfactory results. Lesions less than 1 cm in diameter could be accurately aspirated, and the method allowed quick and accurate cytologic characterization of solid breast masses. The sensitivity of the cytologic diagnosis of malignancy was 92%, and the specificity was 93%. US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of breast masses should be routinely performed, since it can lead to earlier and cost-effective diagnosis of breast carcinoma at virtually no risk. Because of the accuracy of real-time US guidance, negative cytologic findings (i.e., satisfactory smears with benign cells) should be considered highly reliable in ruling out malignancy.

[Contribution in oncology of fine needle puncture-aspiration of abdominal organs under echographic guidance in real time. Apropos of 265 cases]. / Apport en cancérologie de la ponction-aspiration à l'aiguille fine d'organes abdominaux sous contrôle échographique en temps réel. A propos de 265 observations.

The authors report a 3-year experience in the field of real-time ultrasonically-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies of abdominal lesions in a Cancer Institution. The procedure is performed using a linear-array electronic biopsy transducer. Results obtained in a series of 265 aspirations are analyzed. Major benefits and applications of this technique in oncology are discussed while emphasis is put on the economical aspects of this diagnostic "shunt".

Infiltrating fibromatosis of the breast.

A case of fibromatosis of the breast in a 65-year-old woman is described. The difficulties in the histological and cytological differential diagnosis of fibromatosis in such an uncommon site are emphasized.

[Diagnostic problems in gastric dysplasias: value of cytology (author's transl)]. / Problèmes des dysplasies gastriques. Apport de la cytologie.

Gastric smears have been performed on 835 patients, among which examinations 771 (92 percent) were available. Histology assumed in parallel showed a dysplasia lesion in 56 cases: 14 of the 601 negative smears (2.3 percent), in 33 of the 40 suspect smears (82 percent), and in 9 of the 130 cases of positive smears (7 percent). Gastric dysplasia evidence both by cytology and pathology show mostly differenciated cells, alterations of which reflect the lesion level. By contrast, cytology and histology diagnosis are not in agreement when dysplasia concern dedifferenciated cells with a severe degree of alterations which can be misinterpreted as malignant cells.