Modified Alcohol-Formalin Cell Block Technique in Head and Neck Pathology Diagnosis

Objectives: Cell block preparation is a recognized technique in histopathological diagnosis. This technique aids in maintaining an intact architecture and reducing the diagnostic errors associated with fine-needle aspiration cytology. Numerous techniques have been put forth, but the need for an optimal technique for routine use in the laboratory still persists. The aim of our study was to establish a cell block technique which aids in the accurate diagnosis of head and neck pathology. Methodology: A modified cell block technique was developed using alcohol-formalin as a fixative. Forty fine-needle aspiration fluids from clinically and radiologically diagnosed cases of head and neck pathology were used as samples. The cell block sections were compared with the cytology smears to determine the utility of the technique. Results: The cell blocks presented with better preservation of the architectural framework and enabled a quick diagnosis. Cellular clumping was negligible, and nuclear as well as cellular details were maintained similar to tissue sections. It led to the integration of conventional techniques using 10% neutral buffered formalin with that of the 10% alcohol-formalin technique. Conclusion: Modified cell block technique can be used as a simple and effective tool in the routine diagnosis of head and neck pathology.