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Cytology exam of pleural fluid
Pleural fluid cytology; Lung cancer - pleural fluid
A cytology exam of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancer cells and certain other cells in the area that surrounds the lungs. This area is called the pleural space. Cytology means the study of cells.
Cytology exam
Cytologic evaluation is the analysis of cells from the body under a microscope. This is done to determine what the cells look like, and how they for...
How the Test is Performed
A sample of fluid from the pleural space is needed. The sample is taken using a procedure called thoracentesis .
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest....
The procedure is done in the following way:
- You sit on a bed or on the edge of a chair or bed. Your head and arms rest on a table.
- A small area of skin on your back is cleaned. Numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is injected in this area.
- The doctor inserts a needle through the skin and muscles of the chest wall into the pleural space.
- Fluid is collected.
- The needle is removed. A bandage is placed on the skin.
The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory. There, it is examined under the microscope to determine what the cells look like and whether they are abnormal.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is needed before the test. A chest x-ray will likely be done before and after the test.
DO NOT cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung.
How the Test will Feel
You will feel stinging when the local anesthetic is injected. You may feel pain or pressure when the needle is inserted into the pleural space.
Tell your health care provider if you feel short of breath or have chest pain.
Why the Test is Performed
A cytology exam is used to look for cancer and precancerous cells. It may also be done for other conditions, such as identifying systemic lupus erythematosus cells.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can af...
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of fluid buildup in the pleural space. This condition is called pleural effusion . The test may also be done if you have signs of lung cancer.
Pleural effusion
A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Normal Results
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:
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
-
Breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are 2 main types of breast cancer:Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (duct...
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Lymphoma
Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.
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Lung cancer
Lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing type of lung cancer. It spreads much more quickly than non-small cell lung cancer. There are two typ...
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- Stomach cancer
Risks
Risks are related to thoracentesis and may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
-
Collapse of the lung (
pneumothorax
)
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then fills the space outside of the lung, between the lung and chest wall. This bui...
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References
Alder EH, Blok BK. Thoracentesis. In: Roberts JR, ed. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 9.
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Thoracentesis - diagnostic. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:1052-1135.
Cibas ES. Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal fluids. In: Cibas ES, Ducatman BS, eds. Cytology: Diagnostic Principles and Clinical Correlates . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 4.
Review Date: 8/21/2016
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
