title: The cytology of malignant mesothelioma in Western Australia.
abstract: The cytology of malignant mesothelioma seen in 12 patients associated with the mining of crocidolite asbestos in Western Australia is described. Two main patterns of mesothelioma were observed: the spindle cell and epithelial varieties. In the more common epithelial variety, five features were found to be of particular value in making a cytologic diagnosis. These include the finding of cell aggregates, multinucleation, the presence of brush-like borders, the close apposition of cell borders, and a characteristic cytoplasm. A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma may be established by cytologic examination of effusions. The awareness of the possible occurrence of such a primary malignant neoplasm with the features outlined may be helpful in this regard.
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D001315:Australia; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000166:cytology*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos