title: Sputum cytology.
abstract: The primary purpose of sputum cytology is to detect preinvasive and invasive malignancy. Candidates for the screening procedure include long-time smokers with productive cough, patients chronically exposed to asbestos, patients with hemoptysis, persistent cough and/or weight loss, and asymptomatic patients with x-ray lesions or unexplained pleural effusions. The procedure is inexpensive and highly diagnostic. Five consecutive specimens produced by deep coughing are required for adequate evaluation.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000166:cytology; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology*