RAPID CYTOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE SKIN

Cytological diagnosis in a series of 153 skin lesions is presented. The diagnosis in each case was compared with the clinical assessment and where available was compared with the biopsy result (85 lesions). Of 131 basal cell carcinomas, a cytological diagnosis was possible in 124 while biopsy failed to identify 2 of the 73 lesions studied. A correct cytological diagnosis was made in 5 squamous cell carcinomas and in 1 malignant melanoma. Basal cell papillomas and solar keratoses were not accurately identified. With this very simple, rapid and inexpensive method a clinical diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma is reliably confirmed with advantages for the clinic and laboratory.