Differential diagnosis of malignant lymphomas by imprint cytology.

The results of a study of 214 touch imprints of benign and malignant lymphoid disorders are presented. The diagnostic criteria, including the results of special stains, are described for both benign proliferative disorders and malignant lymphomas. Imprint cytology achieved an accuracy of 99% in diagnosing both benign and malignant conditions. Specific subtyping of malignant disorders was correctly made in 83% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and in 66% of Hodgkin's lymphomas. It is concluded that imprint cytology is a useful adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis of lymphoid disease.