title: Application of electron microscopy in the definitive diagnosis of effusions.
abstract: Electron microscopy was performed on a series of body cavity fluid specimens to evaluate the usefulness of this technique in the diagnosis of effusions. During a six-month period, 42 specimens were examined, 19 benign and 23 malignant. In two cases, the electron microscopic findings were crucial to the diagnosis. In a third case, electron microscopy helped to confirm the diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgery. In a number of other cases, ultrastructural evaluation demonstrated special cell characteristics not evident in routine light microscopic studies. Based on these findings, we conclude that electron microscopy has a definite place in the diagnosis of effusions and should be increasingly utilized on a selective basis in the evaluation of body cavity fluid specimens. In addition, electron microscopic studies on cells in effusions provide an excellent source of material for educational and research purposes.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005729:Ganglioneuroma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000166:cytology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis