Positive effusion cytology as the initial presentation of malignancy

Area of Science:

• Cytopathology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Cytologic examination of body fluids is crucial for cancer diagnosis.
• Ascitic, pleural, and pericardial effusions can harbor malignant cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze cytologic findings of malignant effusions.
• To determine the primary cancer types and patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

• Cytologic examination of 641 ascitic, 860 pleural, and 47 pericardial fluid specimens.
• Correlation of cytologic findings with biopsy or clinical evidence.
• Follow-up data collection for prognosis assessment.

Main Results:

• Malignant cells were found in 154 ascitic, 174 pleural, and 10 pericardial fluids.
• Ascites and pleural effusions were the initial cancer signs in 7 and 18 patients, respectively.
• Adenocarcinoma was the most common malignancy (86% ascitic, 78% pleural), often originating from ovarian and lung tumors.

Conclusions:

• Cytology is effective in detecting malignancy in effusions.
• Initial presentation with effusion indicates a poor prognosis, with short survival times.
• Ovarian and lung cancers are frequent sources of malignant ascites and pleural effusions, respectively.