Computer Assisted Cytologic Assessment,

A criterion used for cytologic evaluation of cells consists of a comparison of the ration of the nucleus to the cytoplasm. It was the purpose of this study to determine if microscopic measurements of a cells nuclear and cytoplasmic areas could provide an accurate and precise means for determining cytologic status. Oral cytologic specimens were stained by the Papanicolaou method and were assessed by three pathologists using conventional light microscopy. Specimens were classified into categories I through V, ranging from normal epithelial cells I to malignant cells V. There were at least ten specimens for each category. A Zeiss Image Analysis System with an LED cursor and digitizer tablet were then utilized to trace fifty epithelial cells from each of the ten slides taken from each category. A total of 2500 measurements were performed in approximately four hours. A nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio was derived that was unique and specific for four of the five cytoplogy categories. It was concluded from this study that a computer-assisted technique for cytologic evaluation of oral epithelial cells based upon a nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio is both feasible and practical.