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.
Department of Cytopathology, Theagenion Cancer Hospital,Thessaloniki, Greece.
Despina O
DO
Sioutopoulou
Lampros I
LI
Kampas
Domniki
D
Gerasimidou
Rosalia Maria
RM
Valeri
Ioannis
I
Boukovinas
Dimitrios
D
Tsavdaridis
Chariklia T
CT
Destouni
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