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The role of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of tumours of the Head and neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

C. Fisher
Affiliation:
Consultant, Histopathologist, Royal Marsden Hospital, London
L. M. Flood*
Affiliation:
Consultant, Otolaryngologist, Middlesbrough.
A. D. Ramsey
Affiliation:
Consultant, Histopathologist, Southampton University.
*
L. M. Flood, North Riding Infirmary, Newport Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS1 5JE.

Abstract

A four-year study was undertaken to determine the value of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of head and neck tumours. During this period 80 samples were submitted for examination, of which 69 contained assessable tumour. Electron microscopy made a major contribution to the diagnosis in 25 cases (36 per cent). Areas in which ultrastructural examination was of diagnostic significance included the precise categorization of apparently undifferentiated carcinoma and the identification of melanomas. Little diagnostic benefit was gained from electron microscopic examination of thyroid, lymphoid or salivary gland neoplasms. The value of electron microscopy in relation to immunohistochemistry is discussed.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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