Cytologic detection of hepatic metastases
Mossler, J.A.; Barton, T.K.; McClintock, S.C.; Johnston, W.W.
Acta Cytologica 24(4): 325-327
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 6932145 Document Number: 159729
Cytologic preparations and histologic specimens from 404 liver biopsies were reviewed. The cytologic specimens were prepared from the saline rinsings of the Klatskin biopsy needle. Malignant neoplasms were detected by both methods in 50 cases. In seven cases, neoplasms were diagnosed by cytologic techniques alone; in nine cases neoplasms were present in the biopsy only. No false-positive cytologic diagnoses of malignancy occurred. The results of this study show that cytologic examination of the rinsings of the biopsy needle is a sensitive and highly specific adjunct to biopsy in the detection of hepatic metastases.