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A cytology examination of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancerous cells in the pleural space, the area that surrounds the lungs.
See: Cytologic evaluation
Alternative NamesPleural fluid cytology
How the test is performedA sample of fluid from the pleural space is needed. For information on how the sample is obtained, see: Thoracentesis.
The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under the microscope to determine what the cells look like, and whether they are abnormal. "Cytology" refers to the study of cells.
How to prepare for the testThe laboratory test requires no preparation. For information on how to prepare for removal of the fluid sample, see: Thoracentesis
How the test will feelSee: Thoracentesis
Why the test is performedA cytology exam is often used to look for cancers and precancerous changes. Your doctor may order a cytology examination of pleural fluid if you have signs of cancer, or to find the cause of fluid buildup in the pleural space, a condition called pleural effusion.
Normal ValuesNormal cells are seen.
What abnormal results meanIn an abnormal test, there are cancerous (malignant) cells. This may mean there is a cancerous tumor. This test most often detects:
This test may also be done for cancer that has spread to the lung.
What the risks areThere are no risks involved with a cytology exam.
For information risks related to the procedure to remove a sample of pleural fluid, see: Thoracentesis
ReferencesAbeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2004.
Light RW. The undiagnosed pleural effusion. Clin Chest Med. 2006;27:309-319.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoA cytology examination of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancerous cells in the pleural space, the area that surrounds the lungs.
See: Cytologic evaluation
Alternative NamesPleural fluid cytology
How the test is performedA sample of fluid from the pleural space is needed. For information on how the sample is obtained, see: Thoracentesis.
The fluid sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined under the microscope to determine what the cells look like, and whether they are abnormal. "Cytology" refers to the study of cells.
How to prepare for the testThe laboratory test requires no preparation. For information on how to prepare for removal of the fluid sample, see: Thoracentesis
How the test will feelSee: Thoracentesis
Why the test is performedA cytology exam is used to look for cancer and precancerous cells. Your doctor may order a cytology examination of pleural fluid if you have signs of fluid buildup in the pleural space, a condition called pleural effusion. The test may also be done if you have signs of lung cancer.
Normal ValuesNormal cells are seen.
What abnormal results meanIn an abnormal test, there are cancerous (malignant) cells. This may mean there is a cancerous tumor. This test most often detects:
What the risks areThere are no risks involved with a cytology exam.
For information risks related to the procedure to remove a sample of pleural fluid, see: Thoracentesis
ReferencesCelli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/15/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is the thin watery fluid that occurs between the pleural membranes called?
Pleural fluid is the fluid that's located between the pleural membranes that cover the lungs. If too much fluid builds up, it's called a pleural effusion.
How is Pleural fluid contained?
Pleural fluid is contained between the parietal pleura and chest wall.
What is the fluid located between the pleural membranes?
Pleural Fluid. It is mostly made up of tissue fluidPleural spacePleural fluid
When is a pleural biopsy needed?
Pleural biopsy is usually ordered when pleural fluid obtained by another procedure called thoracentesis (aspiration of pleural fluid) suggests infection, signs of cancer, or tuberculosis.
What is a pleural hemorrage?
Pleural fluid is the fluid found in your lungs. My guess is that a pleural hemorrhage would be the result of fluid buildup expanding the lungs to the point where the tiny sacs in your lungs could rupture.
What is the thin fluid filled space also known as the pleural space?
this answer is pleural cavity
What The is the thin fluid-filled space also known as the pleural space?
this answer is pleural cavity
Plural fluid functions- respiration?
Pleural fluid is present in the pleural sac. This fluid act as a lubricant and minimizes the friction between outer and inner layer of pleura, during respiration.
How is a Denver Catheter drained?
Pleural drain that patient can drain fluid from pleural effusion or ascites on own.
What do the pleural cavities contain?
Pleural cavity is the potential space. There is no gap between the outer and the inner pleura. There is very little fluid in the pleural cavity. You have negative pressure in the pleural cavity.
What Pleural fluid in the human body contained between?
Each lung lies within the pleural cavity within which the lung expands. The pleural cavity is lined by two transparent elastic membranes called the pleura/pleural membranes. The inner pleuron covers the lung the outer pleuron is in contact with the walls of the thorax and the diaphragm. A thin layer of lubricating fluid between the pleural membranes allows them to glide over each other when the lungs expand and contract during breathing. So your answer is the pleural fluid lies between the pleural membranes.
Is the excess accumulation of fluid in the pleural space which keeps the lung from fully expanding?
Pleural effusion: is the excess acumulation of fluid in the pleural space. This produces a feeling of breatlessness because it prevetns the lung from fully expanding. Effusion is the escape of fluid from blood or lymphatic vessels into the tissues or into a body cavity.
