Configuration of surfaces of human cancer cells in effusions. A review

This is a report of SEM studies of several cell types observed in pleural and ascitic fluids of patients with a variety of disorders. Prior to scanning, the identity of the cells was determined by light microscopic studies performed by a simple and inexpensive method developed by the authors. Differences in surface configuration of mesothelial cells, macrophages, leukocytes, and cancer cells were described and discussed. Irregular surface microvilli of high density were the predominant surface feature of cells of metastatic cancers of various origins and types, except for oat-cell carcinoma. Mesothelial cells had variable surface configuration with the majority of cells covered by blebs. Macrophages were primarily characterized by veil-like ridges. Detailed description of the various cell types under various circumstances and a discussion of the possible significance of the surface features in reference to cell biology conclude this review.