Diagnosis of metastatic tumors in cerebrospinal fluid samples using thin-layer cytology.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the application of ThinPrep liquid-based cytology (LBC) and present our experience using LBC in the diagnosis of metastatic tumors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.


METHODS
We examined 38 cytologic specimens of CSF, processed by ThinPrep technique. Of these, 18 presented with a previously diagnosed primary malignancy. Various immunocytochemical markers were performed.


RESULTS
ThinPrep technology provided preservation of cytomorphologic features, high cellularity per slide and clear background. Analysis revealed 8 breast carcinomas, 5 lung carcinomas, 4 lymphomas, 3 adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, 1 squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix and 1 urinary bladder carcinoma. Fifteen samples were negative for malignancy.


CONCLUSIONS
CSF cytology is the only examination that verifies the presence of malignancy. Thin monolayer technology is suggested as an appropriate diagnostic method for metastatic tumors in CSF in everyday routine and seems to be a valuable tool for further management and planning of treatment.
Sioutopoulou
Despina O
DO
Department of Cytopathology, Theagenion Cancer Hospital,Thessaloniki, Greece.
Kampas
Lampros I
LI
Gerasimidou
Domniki
D
Valeri
Rosalia Maria
RM
Boukovinas
Ioannis
I
Tsavdaridis
Dimitrios
D
Destouni
Chariklia T
CT
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000378:metabolism; D001360:Avidin / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001710:Biotin / Q000378:metabolism; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D003581:Cytodiagnosis; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014626:Vaginal Smears
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D001360:Avidin; D001710:Biotin