Role of touch imprint and core biopsy for detection of tumor metastases in bone marrow

A total number of 248 bone marrow trephine biopsies were reviewed and 21 paired biopsy and touch imprints were identified to estimate the role of these two diagnostic methods for detection of tumor metastases from nonhematologic malignancies in the bone marrow. The study period ran between January 1, 1993, and June 1, 1996. Eight histology sections and eight touch imprints were prepared from every case and were reviewed by two pathologists independently. In 20 cases, tumor cells were present without a doubt both on cytologic and histologic preparations. In one touch imprint, single cells were suspicious for malignancy, and the final pathology report was prepared after examination of the histologic sections. There was no positive biopsy in which the imprint was negative for tumor cells, and no positive touch imprint in which the biopsy was negative for such cells. The results from our study show that every one of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages and that they have a complementary role for identification of solid malignancies in the bone marrow.