Exfoliative cytology of body fluids: an analysis

Abstract

Background: Cytology can be studied on exfoliated cells or on cells aspirated by a needle. Body fluids are easily obtained by tapping i.e. pleural, peritoneal, same are subjected to biochemical and cytological examination. As an aid to the diagnosis, cytological evaluation of these fluids can be fruitful as observed largely. Present study is an attempt to analyze all the samples referred for cytological evaluation in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and
Method: The present study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical and retrospective type of study carried out in the department of pathology, of a tertiary care rural hospital over a period of one year from January 2015 to December 2015. Various body fluids such as peritoneal, pleural, cerebrospinal, etc were received in our department were studied under light microscope for cellular characteristics and classified in malignant and non-malignant entities. Improved Neubaeur’s chamber was used for the cell counts. Results: A total of 414 body fluids were received in the one year period. Peritoneal fluid comprised of the majority of the cases with 189 (45.65%) cases followed by pleural fluid with 138 (33.34%) cases. Non-malignant diagnosis was given in majority of the cases. Slight male preponderance was noted with the mean age of presentation across all the patients being 46.6 years. Conclusion: Body fluid cytology is a rapid and simple diagnostic modality employed primarily for disease diagnosis in malignant and non-non-malignant cases. Meticulous examination with proper clinical correlation will go a long way in improving patient treatment and care.