Role of Imprint cytology in rapid diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms with histopathology correlation

Background: Imprint cytology plays a major role in rapid intraoperative diagnosis of lesions similar to frozen sections. Besides its speed and simplicity, it also provides excellent cellular details. Although histopathology is considered to be gold standard in diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms, yet the delay involved may at times affect the course of treatment. The optimal management of benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms is different especially in patients who want to retain fertility. This calls for a rapid intraoperative diagnosis which will decide further management. Aim and objectives: To study the imprint cytology of ovarian neoplasms and compare with histopathology findings, to establish the reliability of imprint smears in intraoperative diagnosis by statistical evaluation. Material and methods: The present study was done at MNJ Institute of Oncology, Hyderabad, a tertiary care center for period of one and half years i.e. from January 2017 to June 2018. The study was done on 40 fresh unfixed ovarian specimens sent for imprint cytology. Multiple imprint smears was taken from fresh resected masses after detailed gross examination. The findings were noted and compared to subsequent histopathology sections. Results: In the present study, out of 40 cases, 21 (52.5%) were benign, 9(22.5%) were borderline, 10(25%) were malignant based on imprint cytology smears. On histopathology sections, 22 (55%) were benign, 1(2.5%) was borderline and 17(42.5%) were malignant. The overall accuracy was 87.5% on imprint smears. Conclusion: Imprint cytology is an excellent, simple, inexpensive, useful diagnostic tool in intraoperative diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms. This forms an important step in intraoperative decision-making for better management.