sitopatology

Sitopathology is a branch of pathology that focuses on the study of cells obtained from effusions and body fluids. These fluids can include cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as fluids from cysts and abscesses. The primary goal of sitopathology is to diagnose or rule out various conditions, most commonly malignancy, but also infections and inflammatory processes.

The process typically involves collecting the fluid sample from the patient, often through a procedure like a paracentesis or thoracentesis. The collected fluid is then processed in a laboratory. Common preparation methods include centrifugation to concentrate the cells, followed by smearing the concentrated material onto glass slides. These slides are then stained, most frequently with a Papanicolaou (Pap) stain, which highlights cellular structures and allows for microscopic examination.

Microscopic examination by a pathologist or cytotechnologist involves assessing the morphology of the cells present. They look for abnormalities in size, shape, and nuclear characteristics, which can indicate cancerous changes, cellular degeneration, or the presence of microorganisms. Features such as cellular atypia, nuclear pleomorphism, increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, and the presence of mitoses are carefully evaluated.

The findings from sitopathological examination are reported to the clinician, aiding in patient management, treatment decisions, and further diagnostic workup. It is a valuable, minimally invasive diagnostic tool that provides crucial information about the cellular composition and potential disease processes within body cavities and fluid collections.