Korean J Cytopathol.  1996 Dec;7(2):177-184.

Cytologic Features of Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors in Crush Preparation

• Yim H
• Kim JS
• Shim C

Abstract

Intraoperative cytologic examination of intracranial tumors using crush preparation provides useful information in operative decision making. The diminutive nature of many biopsy specimens, particularly those obtained by stereotactic neurosurgical procedures emphasizes the importance of combining the cytologic smear method with conventional frozen section interpretation. The great advantage of the cytologic smear method resides in its suitability for the study of minute fragments of tissue, allowing retention of the majority of the specimen for optimal processing. We present the cytologic features of 3 cases of intracranial germ cell tumors(2 germinomas and 1 endodermal sinus tumor), using crush preparation during intrao perative diagnosis and compare them with histologic findings. The cytologic features of the germ cell tumors were similar to those of the respective gonadal counterparts. The cytologic differential diagnosis of both types of germ cell tumors is described.

Keyword

Crush preparation; Central nervous system; Cytology; Endodermal sinus tumor; Germinoma

MeSH Terms

Biopsy
Central Nervous System
Decision Making
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Endoderm
Endodermal Sinus Tumor
Frozen Sections
Germ Cells*
Germinoma
Gonads
Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal*
Neurosurgical Procedures