Brush Cytology and Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Brush Cytology of Colorectal Malignancies

“…2 Other reports suggest the combined use of cytology and biopsy to increase the diagnostic yield. 10,11 In 1978 Winawer et al reported an increment in the diagnostic yield from 60% to 89% by combined use of cytology and histologic sampling. 5,6 Bemvenuti 9 reported a diagnostic yield of 84%, 64% and 100% for cytology alone, biopsy alone, and combined cytology and biopsy, respectively.…”

“…5,6 The sensitivity of biopsy alone, cytology alone, and combined cytology and biopsy has been reported to be 60%, 86%, 81-98% and 88-100%. [7][8][9][10][11] This study was conducted to evaluate brush cytology in colorectal malignancies and to determine whether performing brush cytology routinely in conjunction with biopsy is justified.…”

Detection of hTERT mRNA in Colonic Brush Specimens as an Adjunct to Cytopathologic Diagnosis of Colonic Adenocarcinoma

“…1,5,11 Brush cytopathology permits accurate and extensive mucosal sampling with minimal trauma and complements tissue biopsy by enhancing the diagnostic yield. Both abundant cellularity and marked cytologic atypia are features typical of colonic carcinoma.…”

“…1,5,11 Interpretation of colonic brush specimens is sometimes challenging as a result of scant cellularity or the presence of well-differentiated tumor cells. A molecular "tumor marker" could provide additional information to assist with cytopathologic diagnosis.…”