Special Considerations
This article may contain information on medical procedures that are not recommended or endorsed by Catholic Health Partners. Promotion of this topic is prohibited by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services. In the Ethical and Religious Directives, Catholic health institutions are prohibited from condoning contraceptive practices. Married couples should be given information about
natural family planning as well as the church’s teachings on responsible parenthood. The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only. It is not provided as a professional service or as medical advice for specific patients.
| Cytology exam of pleural fluid |
Definition A cytology examination of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancerous cells in the pleural space, the area that surrounds the lungs. See: Cytologic evaluation | Alternative Names Pleural fluid cytology | How the test is performed A sample of fluid from the pleural space is needed. For information on how the sample is obtained, see: Thoracentesis. The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under the microscope to determine what the cells look like, and whether they are abnormal. "Cytology" refers to the study of cells. | How to prepare for the test The laboratory test requires no preparation. For information on how to prepare for removal of the fluid sample, see: Thoracentesis | How the test will feel See: Thoracentesis | Why the test is performed A cytology exam is used to look for cancer and precancerous cells. Your doctor may order a cytology examination of pleural fluid if you have signs of fluid buildup in the pleural space, a condition called pleural effusion. The test may also be done if you have signs of lung cancer. | Normal Values Normal cells are seen. | What abnormal results mean In an abnormal test, there are cancerous (malignant) cells. This may mean there is a cancerous tumor. This test most often detects: | What the risks are There are no risks involved with a cytology exam. For information risks related to the procedure to remove a sample of pleural fluid, see: Thoracentesis | Special considerations | References Celli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100. |
| | View Spanish Version
Encyclopedia Home
Drug Note Home
Health Information Home
Images
Care PointsRead More |
Review Date: 9/15/2010
Review By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
www.mercyweb.org
