Comprehensive Evaluation of the Utility of Cell Block Use in ThinPrep Liquid-Based Cervical Specimens

The Papanicolaou (PAP) smear remains the cornerstone of early detection and prevention in cervical cancer screening, Today, liquid-based cytology (LBC) techniques are more widely used for this purpose. ThinPrep is one of the most effective of these methods. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contributions of the cell block method when using ThinPrep liquid-based cervical samples.

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 453 cases in which we applied cell block to assist in correct diagnosis in terms of four criteria we determined from ThinPrep LBC samples accepted to our department between 2020 and 2023. We investigated the benefits of cell block according to the four criteria we defined in these cases; these criteria were adequacy, determination of cellular origin based on atrophy, and correct diagnosis of squamous cell lesions and glandular cell lesions. Cell blocks were re-evaluated by 3 experienced pathologists, and the results were analyzed.

The cell block method contributed significantly to the adequacy in 97 of the 136 samples. It contributed to understanding the cellular origin and correct diagnosis of atrophic background in 113 of the 165 samples. It also contributed to the correct diagnosis of squamous cell lesions in 26 of the 107 samples and glandular cell lesions in 40 of the 45 samples. Overall, it was detected to be useful in 272 out of 453 cases.

The cell-block method represents powerful contributions for each parameter, especially if it is used selectively, particularly in evaluating glandular cell lesions and atrophic background. Additionally, it facilitates ancillary testing in the field of cervical cancer screening and management.