Abstract

Background: Many etiologies result in development of effusions in the serous cavities. Of these pleural, peritoneal, pericardial fluids and cerebrospinal fluid are the most common. Cytologic study is done to diagnose disease ranging from benign (infective and inflammation) to malignant effusion1. Setting and Study Design: Pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluid were included and others were excluded. In this study the significance of fluid cytology in the diagnosis of various neoplastic and non neoplastic lesions in the cytology section was carried out. Materials and Methods: All samples received in the Department of Pathology - pleural fluid, ascitic fluid and CSF were evaluated. Gross Examination of fluids was done for total Volume, Colour and Clarity. Biochemical test correlation of fluid Adenosine De-Aminase (ADA) levels was done wherever necessary. Diagnosis was done by consultants who were posted in cytopathology section. Results: In this prospective study from August 2015-2017, total 146 cases were studied of which 65 cases were of ascitic fluid, 41 of pleural fluid and 40 cases of CSF. Of these 146 cases, benign cases were 134 (91.78%), malignant effusion 9(6.16%) and suspicious of malignancy were 3 (2.05%). Among 146 study cases, 136 (93%) cases were having similar cytomorphological pattern (singly scattered), other 10 cases showed various patterns such as 3-dimensional clusters, sheets, etc. Conclusion: Body fluid examination with correlation of various parameters like thorough clinical history and examination, different serum marker levels, primary malignancy if present and previous cytological diagnosis are very useful for the final diagnosis.

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