[Flow cytometric analysis of human malignancies.]

In this article recent advances in the flow cytometric analysis of human tumors are reviewed with regard to both DNA ploidy analysis and the estimation of S-phase fraction (SPF). The technique and background principles of flow cytometry are described and its clinical usefulness is discussed. Special consideration is given to malignancies of the breast, urinary bladder, prostate gland, ovaries, endometrium, skin, colorectum and the thyroid gland. Finally the usefulness of flow cytometry in the diagnosis of partial and complete hydatidiform moles is described.