Rapid and Reliable Detection of Malignant Cells in Serous Fluids Using Clinical Microscopy
Keywords:
Malignant cells, Serous fluid, Clinical microscopy laboratory, Cytology laboratory, Early cancer detectionAbstract
The incidence of cancer in Thailand is rising and is now the leading cause of death. Serous fluid, found in cavities between organs, can be analyzed for malignant cells in advanced cancer stages. While Clinical Microscopy Laboratories offer rapid initial screening for malignant cells within two hours, definitive diagnosis in cytology labs typically takes up to a week. This study aims to compare the detection of malignant cells in serous fluid by clinical microscopy and cytology laboratories. A retrospective analysis of 778 serous fluid samples from 2022-2023 was conducted. These included 517 pleural effusions (67%), 221 peritoneal effusions (28%), and 40 pericardial effusions (5%). Simultaneous examinations were performed in both laboratories, showing strong concordance (Kappa = 0.76), with 120 positive and 601 negative concordant results. Sensitivity was 77.9%, and specificity was 96.3%. The findings suggest that clinical microscopy provides an effective and timely screening method for malignant cells in serous fluids, facilitating early cancer detection, treatment planning, and monitoring of patient outcomes. This approach can significantly improve the management of suspected cancer cases.
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