Abstract: | The surface configuration of human cancer cells removed from their natural setting by fine needle aspiration biopsies was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Cells from several carcinomas of the breast, malignant melanomas, oat cell carcinomas and a malignant lymphoma were the subject of this study. Only viable cells, identified by light microscopy prior to scanning, were selected for study. Contrary to prior observations on cancer cells in effusions, the surface configuration of human cancer cells obtained directly from tissues is variable and may depend significantly on the histologic patterns. |