International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Parbhakar Kumar Chaudhary

Abstract
Background: Various techniques for the collection of cytological samples have been described. Endoscopic direct vision brush cytology is one among them. Brush cytology technique retrieves epithelial cells from a larger surface area of mucosa than that in a tissue biopsy.4 As malignant cells possess a lower level of intercellular cohesion than normal cells, brushing can selectively sample these dyshesive cells. Aim: To assess the efficacy of brush cytology with biopsy to diagnose upper GIT neoplasms. Materials and method: The present study was conducted in the department of Human Pathology of the medical institution. A total of 30 patients were included in the study. After visual examination of the lesion, a cytologic brush, which is made up of small nylon bristles at the tip with an outer protective sheath, is introduced through a separate channel in the endoscope. Histological sections were routinely stained by haematoxylin and eosin method. Smears were interpreted as negative for malignancy, suspicious for malignancy and positive for malignancy. Results: A total of 30 patients were included in the study. The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 70 years with mean age to be 54.32 years. 18 patients were females and 12 patients were males. The obtained brushing smears showed 20 positive cases. 8 cases were suspicious and 2 cases were negative for malignancy. Biopsy of the lesions showed 17 positive cases, 10 atypical cases and 3 negative cases. Conclusion: The brush cytology is a very efficient procedure for diagnosis of GI malignancies at it is inexpensive, provides rapid diagnosis, and minimal discomfort to patients. Cytology can be used as an adjunct to biopsy in the diagnosis of upper GIT neoplasms.