The term cytology refers to the scientific study of cells and cellular biology. In terms of diagnosing mesothelioma, a cytology test can enable the examining physician to detect the presence of malignant cells within the patient’s body, thus providing further support for his or her preliminary diagnosis. Cytology is most frequently used as part of a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. A patient with a thoracic cavity containing a significant amount of pleural fluid is a candidate for cytological testing. The term cytology refers to the scientific study of cells and cellular biology.
In terms of diagnosing mesothelioma, a cytology test can enable the examining physician to detect the presence of malignant cells within the patient’s body, thus providing further support for his or her preliminary diagnosis.
Cytology is most frequently used as part of a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. A patient with a thoracic cavity containing a significant amount of pleural fluid is a candidate for cytological testing.
The fluid is aspirated (drawn out) with a syringe, then tested in a laboratory using a variety of techniques for the presence of malignant or otherwise abnormal cells. If no malignant cells are detected by cytology, the patient is likely suffering from some other disease such as tuberculosis or congestive heart failure.
In cases of possible mesothelioma, cytology is always used in combination with other tests. If malignant cells are found, this does not guarantee that the patient has mesothelioma, but it does make the diagnosis much more likely.
A tissue biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is examined under a microscope by a pathologist, is needed to positively confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
