THE DIAGNOSIS OF ESOPHAGEAL CARCINOMA BY EXFOLIATIVE CYTOLOGY, INCLUDING TWO CASES OF CARDIOSPASM ASSOCIATED WITH CARCINOMA OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Abstract

Patients (40) in whom esophageal pathologic lesions were suspected were examined cytologically by lavage with Ringer''s solution via a Levin tube. Nineteen of 20 cases with malignancy were correctly diagnosed by exfoliative cytology. There were no false-positive reports. Of the 20 benign lesions, all were correctly reported on the basis of cytologic examinations. Results of radiology and esophagoscopy with biopsies are compared with those of exfoliative cytology. Brief case summaries of cardiospasm associated with esophageal carcinoma in 2 patients and of an. unanticipated esophageal carcinoma are reported. Clinical value of exfoliative cytology in the esophagus is briefly discussed.