Analyzing diagnostic utility of cytospin and cell block techniques in serous effusion cytology

Abstract

Introduction: Fluid cytology plays a pivotal role delineating benign from malignant effusions, tumor staging and diagnosing recurrences. Objectives: To assess the diagnostic utility of cytospin and cell block methods in cytodiagnosis of serous effusions.Material and methods: A total of 240 cases inclusive of 77 pleural and 163 peritoneal effusions were analyzed by cytospin and cell block preparation following conventional smear cytology.Results: Out of 240 cases, 13% were malignant pleural effusion and 14.7% were malignant peritoneal effusion. Cell block diagnosed additional 4% and 2.4% cases of malignant origin in pleural and peritoneal fluid respectively and also aided in ascertain the primary site. Few rare cases such as effusion in synovial sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma were also diagnosed. Conclusion: Cell block technique aids in cytodiagnosis of malignant effusions but has demerits also, hence both cytospin and cell block should be used as complement.