The smear technique has been used for rapid diagnosis of tumors removed in neurosurgeries in many neuropathological centers. In order to assess the diagnostic accuracy of this technique, we examined 137 smears and made a cytohistological correlation. Our cases include 12 astrocytomas, 4 anaplastic astrocytomas, 26 glioblastomas, 7 oligodendrogliomas, 5 medulloblastomas, 8 schwannomas, 17 meningiomas, 13 pituitary adenomas, 20 metastatic tumors and 18 assorted tumors and non neoplastic lesions. The correct diagnosis was made in 91.2% of the cases which coincides to the literature. The knowledge of the localization and the characteristic morphologic features of some tumors were important for the diagnosis. The ability to recognize normal nervous tissue in smears was important even to help the surgeon to reach the tumor. We believe that the use of smears should be encouraged in our country in view of the simplicity of its preparation and accuracy of results.
We present the cytologic aspects of 137 tumors operated by neurosurgeons, including 12 astrocytomas, 4 anaplastic astrocytomas, 26 glioblastomas, 7 oligodendrogliomas, 5 medulloblastomas, 8 schwannomas, 17 meningiomas, 13 pituitary adenomas, 20 metastatic tumors and 18 assorted tumors and nonneoplastic lesions. We have also analysed cytologically samples of normal nervous tissue obtained from autopsies, aiming at its recognition and distinction from the neoplastic tissue in biopsies. The tumors were analysed in smears which were subsequently compared with the histological sections. Although it is important to observe cytological details in the tumor, occasionally cells are arranged in such a way, that an overview of the smear practically allows the diagnosis of the tumor.
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