Direct-vision endoscopic cytology and biopsy in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric tumors: current experience.

In a series of 183 patients with proven cancers of the esophagus and stomach, endoscopic cytology was positive in 155 or 84.7 per cent. Endoscopic biopsy in 173 of these patients was positive in 137 or 79 per cent. At least one of the techiques was positive in 164 patients or 94.8 per cent. These results emphasize the overall accuracy of endoscopic cytology and biopsy and their complementary value in detection of malignancy. Meticulous care in technique is stressed for achievement of such accuracy rates.