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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Ultrastructural diagnosis of pleural tumors

P Stoebner, E Brambilla

    Pathology, Research and Practice
    |January 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma relies on identifying fibroblastoid mesothelial cancer cells (MCCs). Differentiated MCCs can be mistaken for metastatic cells, highlighting the need for careful ultrastructural examination of pleural tumors.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Pathology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is challenging.
    • Differentiated mesothelial cancer cells (MCCs) can be mistaken for metastatic cells.
    • Fibroblastoid MCCs are key diagnostic markers.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To highlight the diagnostic significance of fibroblastoid MCCs in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
    • To emphasize the limitations of differentiated MCCs in diagnosis.
    • To advocate for the routine use of electron microscopy in diagnosing pleural tumors.

    Main Methods:

    • Ultrastructural analysis of malignant pleural mesotheliomas.
    • Identification and characterization of differentiated and fibroblastoid MCCs.
    • Examination of pleural biopsies and fluids.

    Main Results:

    • Malignant pleural mesotheliomas show a significant association of differentiated and fibroblastoid MCCs.
    • Differentiated MCCs are not sufficiently characteristic for definitive mesothelioma diagnosis.
    • Fibroblastoid MCCs are crucial for confirming mesothelioma in both epithelial-like and sarcomatous-like tumors.

    Conclusions:

    • The presence of fibroblastoid MCCs is essential for diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma.
    • Electron microscopy is vital for ultrastructural examination and accurate diagnosis of pleural tumors.
    • Routine embedding of pleural biopsies for potential future ultrastructural examination is recommended.

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