Flow cytometric DNA analysis as a diagnostic aid for cervical condyloma and cancer

Flow cytometric DNA analysis data (FCDA) were obtained from 324 samples provided through the Gynecology‐Oncology Clinic. These samples consisted of 294 combined endoectocervical and vaginal smears and 30 peritoneal washings. Using a conventional scheme for G₀/G₁, S + G₂/M and the coefficient of variation with computer correction for the cell‐cycle kinetics, it was possible to assign a diagnostic Class, I, II, III or V similar to that used by the Cytology Laboratory. These data were then compared with the histopathologic and colposcopic diagnoses. The correlation between FCDA and cytologic results were essentially similar to the previous data obtained from only endocervical sampling.¹⁴ The most interesting finding in this study was the recognition of an FCDA pattern showing a higher DNA content in the G₀/G₁ and the early S regions in 70 of 94 (74.5%) of samples from patients with condyloma acuminata. All condyloma samples were diagnosed either by cytologic, histopathologic, or colposcopic examination, or a combination of two or three. All biopsy specimens were then reviewed by one pathologist to verify any discrepancies. The relationship of this pattern to the viral etiology of this disease is discussed with the three methods of diagnosis and electron microscopic observations. It is suggested that, based on this study, FCDA analysis of pap smears may also be useful in determining the presence of condyloma in a gynecology clinic. The potential value of FCDA analysis from peritoneal washings for the diagnosis of gynecologic cancer can not be ascertained in this preliminary investigation because of insufficient samples.