Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
08:20
Cell Block Preparation from Cytology Specimen with Predominance of Individually Scattered Cells
Published on: July 21, 2009
Cell block cytology in pleural effusion.
Indranath Ghosh1, Subir Kumar Dey, Anjan Das
1Department of Chest Medicine, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata 700014.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|January 31, 2013
Summary
Cell block preparation from residual tissue fluid aids definitive cytopathological diagnosis, especially for malignant pleural effusions. This cost-effective technique offers superior diagnostic yield compared to conventional smears.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Pathology
Background:
- Smears from residual tissue fluid can be challenging for definitive cytopathological diagnosis.
- Improved ethanol formalin fixative enhances cytomorphologic preservation, mimicking Papanicolaou-stained smears.
- Cell block preparation offers a reproducible and cost-effective method for cytological analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of cell block preparation in suspected malignant pleural effusions.
- To compare the diagnostic yield of cell blocks with conventional smear methods and other diagnostic modalities.
- To assess the utility of cell blocks for categorisation and diagnosis of poorly differentiated neoplasms.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of cell blocks from residual tissue fluid using an improved ethanol formalin fixative.
- Analysis of 60 cases of suspected malignant pleural effusion.
- Comparison of cell block diagnoses with conventional Papanicolaou stained smears, bronchoscopy, broncho-alveolar lavage, and fine needle aspiration cytology.
Main Results:
- Cell block preparation diagnosed 46 out of 56 confirmed malignant cases (82% yield).
- Conventional Papanicolaou smear diagnosed 22 cases.
- Cell blocks demonstrated a higher diagnostic effectiveness for malignant pleural effusions.
Conclusions:
- Cell block preparation is a highly effective adjunct for definitive cytopathological diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion.
- The technique is simple, safe, cost-effective, and reproducible, suitable for resource-limited settings.
- Cell blocks facilitate immunocytochemistry for improved diagnosis of poorly differentiated malignant neoplasms.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...