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Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma in ThinPrep specimens: diagnostic clues in the cellular pattern
Sarah B Clark1, Andrea E Dawson
1Department of Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Diagnostic Cytopathology
|January 10, 2002
Summary
The ThinPrep Pap Test can detect invasive squamous-cell carcinoma, even with reduced cellularity. Key features like tumor diathesis and inflammation in TP smears are crucial diagnostic clues.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- The ThinPrep Pap Test (TP) is widely used, but data on invasive squamous-cell carcinoma cytomorphology in TP specimens are limited.
- Understanding these features is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the cytomorphologic features and patterns of invasive squamous-cell carcinoma in ThinPrep Pap Test specimens.
- To identify diagnostic clues for squamous-cell carcinoma in TP smears.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 ThinPrep Pap Test specimens from patients with histologically confirmed invasive squamous-cell carcinoma of the cervix.
- Evaluation of cellularity, tumor diathesis, inflammation, coexistent dysplasia, and keratinization.
Main Results:
- A cytologic diagnosis of invasive squamous-cell carcinoma or suspicious for it was made in all 13 cases.
- Decreased epithelial cell coverage (<40% of slide circle) was observed in 54% of cases.
- Tumor diathesis was present in 92% of cases, and coexistent dysplasia in 92%.
Conclusions:
- Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma can be diagnosed on ThinPrep Pap Test specimens, often despite decreased cellularity.
- Tumor diathesis and inflammation may contribute to decreased cellularity and serve as important diagnostic indicators.
- The presence of tumor diathesis in TP smears warrants careful examination for squamous-cell carcinoma cells.