Cytology in the diagnosis of diseases of the nose and maxilary sinuses

The aim of this work is to evaluate cytologic examination of secretions of nose and maxillary sinuses in patients with naso-sinusal disorders. The material for cytologic examination is taken from 128 nasal cavities of 101 patients with inflammation or tumour diseases of nose and maxillary sinuses, and from 114 maxillary sinuses, intraoperatively, of 89 patients. The results of cytological examinations were classified in five groups: acute bacterial inflammations, chronic bacterial inflammations, allergic processes, viral infections and positive findings for malignancy. With cytological examination of secretions of the nose and maxillary sinuses we can, with great accuracy, diagnose chronic bacterial inflammation, and with some less accuracy determine allergic process, when for documentation of malignancy, cytology is not a reliable diagnostic method. Cytologic examination of secretions of the nose and maxillary sinuses are an additional method, whose goal is to indicate possible aetiologic factors and to direct further diagnostic steps.