Distinction between atypical mesothelial cells and malignant cells by scanning electron microscopy

Area of Science:

• Cytopathology
• Electron Microscopy
• Oncology

Background:

• Distinguishing between malignant cells and atypical mesothelial cells in body effusions is diagnostically challenging.
• Traditional light microscopy may not always provide definitive differentiation.
• Novel imaging techniques are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in differentiating malignant cells from atypical mesothelial cells in body cavity effusions.
• To identify distinct surface morphological features of malignant cells and atypical mesothelial cells using SEM.

Main Methods:

• Body cavity fluid specimens were analyzed using correlated light, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Detailed examination of cell surface microvilli morphology was performed.

Main Results:

• Malignant cells exhibited widely distributed microvilli with varied appearance, including irregular overlapping, fused, and branched forms.
• Atypical mesothelial cells displayed patchy microvilli distribution, with relatively uniform length and diameter, and lacked irregular forms.
• Distinct differences in microvilli surface features were observed between malignant and atypical mesothelial cells.

Conclusions:

• SEM provides valuable diagnostic information for distinguishing malignant cells from atypical mesothelial cells in effusions.
• Microvilli surface morphology is a key feature for differential diagnosis in cytopathology.
• SEM may be a valuable adjunctive tool in the cytopathological examination of effusions.