Cytology and colchicine sensitivity of viable cells from lymph nodes with malignant lymphoma.

Viable cell suspensions were prepared from 31 nodes diagnosed non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma, and from 30 non-malignant nodes. The cells were examined and counted by phase contrast microscopy. The suspensions were characterized by the percentage of large cells and by a colchicine-sensitivity index. The finding of more than 6% large cells or the finding of a sensitivity index of more than 30% was considered a positive test for a malignant lymphoma. According to these criteria there were 2 false positives in 30 reactive nodes and one false negative in 31 malignant nodes. Findings on 3 nodes diagnosed angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy suggested malignancy. The colchicinesensitivity index of blood lymphocytes seemed useful for monitoring lymphoma patients for leukemic involvement.