DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF CYTOPATHOLOGY IN PLEURAL AND ASCITIC FLUIDS

Abstract

Introduction: Cytological study of body uids is better than biopsy as focal lesions may be missed by
biopsy. Aim: To study cytology of aspirated pleural and ascitic uids and categorise them according to
age, gender, gross appearance and neoplastic or non – neoplastic type. Methods: Total 190 uids were studied, of which 137
were pleural uid and 53 were ascitic uid. The received uid was centrifuged and smears were prepared from the sediment and
stained with Papanicolaou stain. Results: Maximum cases were observed in 41-50 years of age group with male
preponderance. Overall male : female ratio was 1.7:1. Most common primary site of malignancy was lung and stomach in
pleural and ascitic uid respectively. Conclusion: Arrangement of cells and nuclear characteristics gives clue about ongoing
pathology. Cytology should be considered rst line of investigation as it is simple and cost effective procedure.