Exfoliative cytology of different body fluids- an important aid to primary diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Cytological examination of exfoliated cells in various effusion fluids is very challenging and of paramount importance for early diagnosis and management of various pathological processes. It is of utmost significance in identifying malignant cells and hence throws light on the cause, staging and prognosis of cancer. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to know the different trends of various types of effusions for various pathological processes with an emphasis on malignant effusion in a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: Retrospective, analytical, observational study done over a period of one year from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 418 cases including peritoneal and pleural and cerebrospinal fluid and urine were analyzed. Samples were centrifuged for five minutes at 2000 rpm and smears prepared from deposit were stained by Papanicolaou (PAP) and May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) stains. Results: Out of 418, 221 were peritoneal effusions, 172 were pleural, 20 cerebrospinal fluids and 5 urine. Out of 221 cases of peritoneal effusions, 144 were non neoplastic and 61 were malignant effusion. Out of total 172 pleural effusions 139 were non neoplastic and 27 neoplastic. Commonest malignancy in peritoneal and pleural fluid was adenocarcinoma from ovary and lung respectively. Conclusions: Cytological evaluation of various fluids is simple, rapid, inexpensive and less invasive tool with high accuracy and thereby reducing the need for invasive investigations. It is especially helpful in evaluating and staging malignancies thereby guiding the clinician in further management.