Clinical Cytology in Otolaryngology: Aspiration biopsy (fine-needle puncture)

Abstract

In the most general sense clinical cytology means the study of cells by means of smear technique. Cytology includes three sections: 1) aspiration biopsy, 2) exfoliative cytology and 3) haematology.

In aspiration biopsy organs, nodes and tumours are punctured with a very fine needle. A thin layer of punctate is smeared on a glass slide and stained by means of the May-Grünewald-Giemsa method. The whole procedure takes about half an hour, and thus the diagnosis can be rapidly established.

In the field of oto-rhino-laryngology the method is especially suitable in cases of palpable swellings on the neck and tumours in the nose, mouth and throat. Tumours in the mediastinum and lung are also amenable to puncture.

The spread of a possibly malignant process can be charted in patients with lymph nodes on the neck.

Aspiration biopsy does not replace conventional specimen excision. A negative result does not exclude a malignant process. Together with other bedside information a positive result leads to a rapid diagnosis and is of great value in facilitating immediate action.

A report, with some colour photographs is given of experience with fine-needle puncture at the cytologic laboratory of the ear clinic in Uppsala.