Indian file pattern of adenocarcinoma cells in effusions.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of the Indian file pattern of adenocarcinoma cells in malignant serous effusions.


METHODS
Twenty-five malignant and 10 benign effusion samples were selected. Clinical data, including the sites of the primary neoplasms, were noted. The presence or absence of Indian file arrangement of carcinoma cells and other patterns were recorded.


RESULTS
Seven of the 25 positive cases showed Indian file arrangement, whereas none of the negative cases did. Their number did not show any correlation with the type and site of the primary neoplasms. In most of the 7 cases other patterns, such as 3-dimensional balls and papillations, were also present.


CONCLUSIONS
Cells in Indian file in serous effusions are strongly suggestive of metastatic carcinoma. They are not specific to any particular site of the primary adenocarcinoma.
Hemachandran
Manikkapurath
M
Department of Cytology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Dey
Pranab
P
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000473:pathology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D016066:Pleural Effusion, Malignant / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears