A new technique for detecting malignant cells in sputum. Evaluation in 200 patients having primary cancer of the lung.

Abstract

A new, rapid and simple method of concentrating cells in sputum has been developed for exfoliative cytology. In clinical trials this is demonstrated to be superior to other techniques. In this technique cells are concentrated 100 × by Millipore filtration; the filter is bisected and the filtering surface pressed on a 3 × 1 inch slide. The filter then is dissolved and the cells are stained by the Papanicolaou method. The new method is evaluated clinically and compared with the conventional smear technique in 200 patients with lung cancer. Analysis shows that the Millipore concentration method is 24% more effective in recovering malignant cells. This new method of concentrating sputum cells provides an effective means for earlier detection of lung cancer comparable to the smear technique for the diagnosis of cervical and endometrial cancer. The even distribution of cells on the slides permits scanning by electronic devices. Thus, mass screening for lung cancer in susceptible populations becomes a distinct possibility, in addition to earlier detection of pulmonary cancer in outpatient clinics and physicians' offices. The technique is described and results of the sudy of 200 patients are presented.