Rapid detection of rectal cancer by gloved digital-scrape cytology.

To evaluate the use of cytology for the rapid detection of rectal cancer, 39 suspected cases of carcinoma of the rectum and anal canal and 7 age- and sex-matched control cases were studied by the gloved digital-scrape method. The cytologic findings were then correlated with the histopathologic diagnoses. Of 30 evaluable cases with follow-up, a correct cytologic diagnosis was made in 28 cases (93.4%), with 1 false-negative diagnosis (3.3%) and 1 false-positive diagnosis (3.3%). Gloved digital-scrape cytology is very simple, quick and inexpensive and can be carried out an out-patient basis without any complications.