Summary The sequence of precursor lesions for squamous cell carcinoma may be hyperplasia-metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma in situ. The aim of this study was to perform a karyometric analysis of squamous metaplasia, moderate dysplasia and squamous cell lung carcinoma. Bronchoscopic biopsies of normal mucosa in chronic bronchitis patients (n=10), squamous metaplasia (n=10), moderate dysplasia (n=11), squamous cell lung carcinoma (n=48), and normal appearing mucosa surrounding carcinoma (n=11) were retrieved. Three nuclear variables were estimated using an image analysis system. The mean equivalent diameter, nuclear area and volume of equivalent sphere of squamous cell lung carcinoma were significantly larger than in moderate dysplasia, squamous metaplasia and normal bronchial mucosa. Also, the values of equivalent diameter, nuclear area and volume of equivalent sphere were significantly larger in normal appearing mucosa surrounding carcinoma compared to normal mucosa in chronic bronchitis patients. Karyometric analysis may be a helpful ancillary tool in distinguishing squamous cell lung carcinoma from dysplasia, and dysplasia from squamous metaplasia in bronchoscopic biopsy specimens.
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