[An application of cytology for ovarian tumors]

Cytology for ovarian tumors is not popular among doctors; however, sometimes it is very useful. Peritoneal cytology is essential for identifying the stage of patients with ovarian cancer. I examined numerous cases of cytology for ovarian tumors at a small private obstetrical and gynecological hospital (Horio Anjo Hospital) and a large public hospital (Nagoya City University Hospital). In hospitals such as Horio Anjo Hospital where there is no pathologist, "cytology in operating room" is useful for understanding the type of tumor, and determining its stage immediately after operation. At Nagoya City University hospital there were 138 cases of cytology for ovarian tumors from Oct. 1969 to May 1991. 27 out of 28 cases of benign tumors were diagnosed as negative, 9 out of 17 tumors of borderline malignancy were diagnosed as suspicious, and 84 out of 93 malignant tumors were diagnosed as positive. There were 18 cases which did not coincide with the histological diagnosis. In 9 cases, false diagnoses were caused by inadequate specimens. In 4 cases, false diagnoses were caused because the cells didn't look malignant. In 5 cases, false diagnoses were caused by cytologist errors. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate cell specimens in order to effectively detect and diagnose cytological cases.