Endoscopic cytology and biopsy diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma

We examined 107 cytology and biopsy specimens taken simultaneously from 103 patients to determine the efficacy of cytologic esophageal brushing in the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma. After review of all material, cytology was positive in 84% of cases, biopsy in 86%, and combined specimens (cytology and biopsy) in 94%. However, agreement as to histologic type was reached in only 53 of the 63 specimens originally reported as positive by both cytology and biopsy.