DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY OF CELL BLOCK TECHNIQUE IN CYTOPATHOLOGY ALONG WITH CONVENTIONAL SMEAR METHOD – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF WESTERN INDIA

Background: The cytological examination of body uids helps in early diagnosis, staging and prognostication of benign, premalignant and malignant conditions. Combined approaches of conventional smear and cell block have helped in gained importance in cytopathology because of its pivotal role in diagnosis, supporting classical cytology, increases the efciency of diagnosis and can be combined with other additional ancillary tests. A Retrospective observational study was conducted at Cytology section, Pathology Department, Methods: GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara for period of one year from February 2023 to January 2024. 151 samples received including various body uids consisting of pleural, peritoneal, synovial, BAL and FNAC from various cystic lesion analysis from patients attending GMERS medical college and Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara. In our study, a total of 151 cases were screened. Out of them in conv Result: entional smear, 22 cases (14.57%) were positive for malignancy and 129 cases (85.43%) were benign, while in cell block technique 30 cases (19.87%) were positive for malignancy and 121 cases (80.13%) were benign. Improved cellularity and yield for detection of malignancy by the cell block technique from 14.57% to 19.87%. Conclusion: Cell block method is an excellent tool for improving cytological diagnosis in various serous effusions and aspirations of cystic lesion along with conventional smear by providing better architectural details, morphological pattern as serving a bridge between cytology and histopathology