title: Sputum cytology.
abstract: Examination of sputum is the least invasive method of obtaining a cytologic diagnosis in a patient suspected of harboring lung cancer. Cytologic diagnosis has advanced to a point where it is of comparable value to histology. The authors discuss the sensitivity, specificity, reliability, and pitfalls of sputum cytology as well as the role it plays in screening of early lung cancer. The advantages and shortcomings of sampling and cytopreparatory techniques are also reviewed. Concluding remarks outline future developments in sputum cytology.
authors: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: Mehta
authors: J J
authors: JJ
authors: Marty
authors: F Y
authors: FY
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D016591:Histocytological Preparation Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013183:Sputum / Q000166:cytology*