R W de Haan | PubMed Health

PubMed1983

Scanning electron microscopy of exfoliative cervical cytology.

The cervical epithelium was studied in 2260 cells with the consecutive LM-SEM method. The purpose of the study was to describe as many cell types as possible and compare these results with the literature. Cells should be related to two diagnoses: that of the individual cell, and that of the tissue from which it originates. Micro-ridges with bars cover the luminal side of normal intermediate and superficial cells. Microvilli with grooves cover the basal side. Microvilli and microridges are intermeshing. Parallel-running plicae form side-to-side junctions. Regional differences on the same cell side were mainly found on normal cells. Metaplasia has some characteristic features. Dysplasia and carcinoma in situ show a continuous process of surface alterations to round cells with irregular microvilli and holes. Malignant cells show many bizarre forms. A quantitative, prospective study on SEM parameters, will be needed to establish prognostic SEM criteria with a high malignancy index.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1981

Cell surface morphology in epithelial malignancy and its precursor lesions.

The cell surface organization of cancer cells is of potentially great significance, as it may not only allow (early) diagnosis, but as it may also harbour markers for refined prognosis (degree of oncogenetic and metastatic potential), and targets for selective cancer (chemo- and immuno) therapy. With these aspects in mind, the present review deals with SEM work done on (pre-) malignant cells, both in vivo and in vitro, and in animal models. Attention, however, is focused on human cancer cells. Cancer cells in vitro may lose many of their original malignant characteristics, and show adaptations to culture conditions. Many other factors have been shown to influence cell surface morphology, such as cell cycle, cell contacts, and preparations technique. Cancer cells differ in their surface morphology from normal cells, and have an extra ordinary amount of surface activity. Human malignant epithelial cells show abundant long. pleomorphic microvilli, especially those present in effusions. In squamous epithelium (bladder, cervix) microridge system present on normal superficial cells are progressively replaced by microvilli which increase in number and degree of pleomorphism during experimental and clinical oncogenesis. The question of whether or not the appearance of long. Pleomorphic microvilli reflects an irreversible alteration of the epithelium, and thus provides an early marker of irreversible neoplastic transformation is considered and assessed on the basis of our work with (pre-) malignant cells of the human uterine cervix. Although SEM has contributed significantly to the description of oncogenesis, up to now it has no early diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic significance.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗