Application of morphometry as a new diagnostic determinant in differentiating mucinous and non-mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma in Egypt

ABSTRACT

Many different techniques, today, such as morphometry, sterology and flowcytometry are well established and routinely used in diagnostic quantitative pathology yet not popular in Egypt. The potential significance of these techniques includes the objective distinction between bordecline and malignant lesions. objective grading of tumor invasion and prediction of prognosis. Primary tumors from fifty patients both mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma in different grades [Nuclear Grade I. II, III] including metastatic and non-metastatic types were analyzed using an image analysis system for the following size variables Nuclear area, cellular areas, thickness of the cell membrane and the ratio of nuclear area/cellular area. maximum and minimum Diameter and form features. Seven colonic adenomas were only used as control for measurement. The results revealed a significant difference in cellular areas, thickness of the cell membrane and the ratio of nuclear area/cellular area in mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma but there is no significant difference in nuclear area between mucinous adenocarcinoma and non-mucinous adenocarcinoma. Quantitative measurements of the nuclear variables are useful in accurately discriminate the patients with different colonic cancer types with better staging and better follow-up and treatment