Evaluation of DNA content in epithelial hyperplastic lesions of the larynx

Quantification of cellular DNA by image or flow cytometry has achieved acceptance as an objective and reproducible component of diagnostic pathology. Although the majority of investigations have focused on the prognostic utility of DNA content measurements in malignant neoplasms, the detection of abnormal DNA content can also be useful for the detection of early neoplasia or premalignant change. Several studies of laryngeal epithelial hyperplastic lesions by image cytometry have shown that a proportion of these lesions exhibit abnormal DNA content and that the incidence of this finding correlates with the degree of dysplasia or atypia. Similar results were obtained by flow cytometry, which has only rarely been used for investigation of these lesions. Although there is some evidence that lesions with abnormal DNA content are more likely to progress to carcinoma, additional studies are needed to define the clinical importance of DNA cytometry in hyperplastic epithelial lesions of the larynx.