The Micronucleus Test in Urothelial Cells and Uterine Smears of Cervix Cancer Patients: A Comparison

Cytogenetic damage was assessed using the (MN) test in urothelial cells and cervix smears of local cervix cancer patients since the genetic end-point screening for micronuclei provides a measure of both, chromosome breakage and loss. The MN data were grouped for stage-types of cancer, age-groups, age-atmarriage, parity levels and socio-economic status. A comparison of the results obtained from both the tissues has revealed that the percent frequency of MNd cells was elevated in urothelial cells except when the variable for age-groups of the patients was compared. If validated, the MN assay in urothelial cells may prove useful for screening programmes for cervix cancer as besides scoring effectively for cytogenetic damage, it utilizes a non-invasive process of sample collection.