Diagnostic Utility of Cell Block of Bronchial Brush Tip Washing in the Diagnosis of Carcinoma Lung and Application of Cytokeratin 5/6, TTF-1 & CD 56 Expression for Subclassification

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with high mortality. Furthermore being one of the most insidious and aggressive neoplasm in the realm of oncology, it’s timely diagnosis and accurate subclassification becomes pre-requisite for administering appropriate and timely target therapy. In the present study, cell block from brush tip washings were prepared and immunoreactivity assessed for cytokeratin5/6, TTF-1 and CD56 with aim to diagnose and sub-classify carcinoma lung. Methods: The present study was conducted on 25 specimens of brushtip washings from suspected cases of carcinoma lung. Bronchoscopic investigation of pulmonary lesions was performed and routine brush smears were made and these brush tip were processed into cell block. Immunohistochemical staining for marker CK5/6, CD56 & TTF 1 was done and evaluated. Results: Brush smear cytology finding was mostly benign seen in 12 (48%) followed by SCC seen in 4 (16%), ADC in 3 (12%). Cell block microscopy showed SCC in 11 (44%), ADC in 5 (20%), small cell carcinoma in 3 (12%) and carcinoma in 3 (12%). It was inadequate in 3 (12%). The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of brush smear cytology in diagnosing lesion was 33.3 % and 52.6% respectively.Whereas for cell block microscopy in diagnosing lesion sensitivity was 91.67% and specificity 86.6%. The overall sensitivity of IHC CK 5/6 in diagnosing SCC was 100% and specificity was 52.4%. CD56, TTF1 were negative in these cases. CD56 showed 100% sensitivity in diagnosing small cell carcinoma with specificity being 24.6%, The overall sensitivity of IHC TTF 1 in diagnosing ADC was 100% & for small cell carcinoma was 40%. Conclusion: Cell block preparation is a simple method that increases diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy, is cost effective & hence can be routinely used. IHC panel consisting CK 5/6, CD 56 and TTF 1 has more diagnostic value in precise subtyping of different types of lung carcinoma in adjunction to routine H&E staining.

Transitional cell carcinoma of uterine cervix complicated by pyometra.

Transitional cell carcinoma of cervix is a rare neoplasm of recent description. A case of primary transitional cell carcinoma of female genital tract i.e. uterine cervix in a 60 year-old postmenopausal female complicated by pyometra is reported.