Sponge biopsy in cancer diagnosis.

A method of sponge biopsy in cancer diagnosis is presented. It consists essentially of absorbing fluid cells and particles of tissue expressed from the surface of a mucous membrane or ulcerating lesion in a suitable sponge. Sponge and contents are treated as a tissue block for fixing, embedding, cutting and staining prior to microscopic examination. The results of sponge biopsy compared to surgical biopsy are illustrated. The method appears to be applicable in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix and may prove applicable in the study of lesions of other mucous membranes that may be reached with a sponge.