The role of cytology in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach.

Cytology is an invaluable adjunct in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the stomach. It should be included in the initial diagnostic studies of every patient suspected of having a malignant lesion of the stomach. The yield and accuracy rates of brush cytology are superior to those of endoscopic biopsy. Early or superficial carcinoma can be detected by cytology. Common use of cytology should improve the resectability and the survival rates of the patients.