Intraoperative Squash Cytology and Histopathological Correlation of Glial Tumors at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Introduction  Central nervous system (CNS) tumors account for around 1 to 2% of all neoplasms, commonest of them being gliomas. Gliomas constitute a large, heterogenous group of tumors known for a wide variation in clinical presentation, gross and microscopic features, and biologic behavior. Squash cytology can be a great asset in the intraoperative diagnosis of CNS pathology. In this article, we correlate it with the histopathology of gliomas. Methods  A prospective analytical study was conducted at the Department of Neuropathology, Super-Speciality Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, India. A total of 75 samples were collected for intraoperative squash cytology. The biopsy samples were collected subsequently after surgery for histopathological correlation. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of squash cytology. Results  Of the total 75 patients clinically and radiologically suspected of having gliomas, 43 (57.33%) were males to give a male-to-female ratio of 1.34:1. The mean age at presentation was 36.50 ± 16.87 years. Right-sided tumors were more common. The most common location was the frontal lobe (46.66%). Concordance with squash cytology was found in 81.33% of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of squash cytology in the diagnosis of gliomas were found to be 98.61, 66.66, and 97.33%, respectively. Conclusion  Squash cytology is a rapid, inexpensive, and accurate diagnostic method for intraoperative diagnosis of gliomas that can guide the surgeon on the extent of tumor resection.