Electron microscopy(EM) can provide a valuable contribution to light microscopy (LM) in the interpretation of fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC) specimen, especially in the diagnosis of the tumor, However, considerable care in
processing
the specimen is mandatory to recover the cells and avoid altering the fine structures.
We experienced a case of malignant melanoma in 33-yrs-old female, diagnosed by EM study of FNAC specimen from the axillary mass, who was initially thought as disseminated carcinomatosis on LM study.
The technique of EM study on FNAC specimen consisted of washing the needle and syringe in 2.5% glutaraldehyde after a rapid stain(Diff-Quik) which was used to obtain a preliminary diagnostic impression and to assure the adequacy of the EM
specimen.
After centrifugation in the steps of fixation and dehydration, the sediment was made into an epon block and examined. The whole processing time of EM study can be shortened within 7 or 8 hours, and results can be available within 48 to
72
hours. Our experience suggests the EM study on FNAC can be a useful diagnostic method in the diagnosis of difficult FNAC cases.
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