Evaluating the role of imprint cytology compared to histopathology in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

Abstract

Background: Imprint cytology is one of the techniques to evaluate intraoperative pathological diagnosis. It gives quick results and is very cost effective. The morphology is well preserved, and it is very useful for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions intraoperatively. Objective: To evaluate the diagnosis of ovarian tumors in imprint cytology and to correlate it with histopathology and assess its diagnostic accuracy for its future potential application. Materials and Methods: Imprint smears for cytology were made immediately after the gross specimen was received in the department in normal saline.Then the specimen was fixed in 10% buffered formalin and grossed for histopathological examination following standard protocols. After histopathology diagnosis, its correlation was done with the diagnosis of imprint cytology. Results: A total of 50 cases of ovarian lesions were studied.Out of these 50 cases the accuracy for benign lesionswas found to be 88.6%, 25% for borderline cases and 100% for malignant ones. Conclusion: Imprint cytology gives a rapid diagnosis and the high accuracyfor benign and malignant lesions. Considering the findings of the index study, it can be concluded that imprint cytology may be used intraoperatively in doubtful cases for a better surgical outcome in patients.