Accuracy and diagnostic utility of squash smear in rapid intraoperative diagnosis of CNS tumor in tertiary care center - A 100 case study

Abstract

Aims and objectives:To study the accuracy and utility of intraoperative squash smear in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and to find out the incidence of various CNS tumors. Results:Out of 100 cases, in 11 cases smears were inadequate or showed only necrotic material. Therefore diagnosis by squash smear was possible in only 89 cases. Out of 89 cases, 76 cases showed concordance, 6 cases showed partial concordance and 7 cases were discrepant on comparison of squash smear cytology with histopathology. 85.4% diagnosis of squash smear cytology matched with its histological reporting. With highest incidence of Astrocytoma followed by Meningioma. One case of Central Neurocytoma, Round cell tumor and Melanoma each were also recorded. Conclusion:Intraoperative Squash Smear cytology technique can provide rapid, simple, reasonably accurate and reliable diagnosis to the operating surgeons. It helps the neurosurgeons in determining the modality of treatment. Astrocytoma was the most common tumors followed by Meningioma.