The International System for Serous Fluid Cytopathology

Book excerpt: This book is the culmination of an international effort to bring consistency and diagnostic efficiency to effusion cytology for the sake of patient care. The authors recognize special challenges in serous fluid cytopathology, such as reporting the presence of Mullerian epithelium in peritoneal fluids. What is an appropriate serous fluid volume to ensure adequacy? How should mesothelial proliferations be reported and is it appropriate to make an interpretation of malignant mesothelioma? How specific should a report be regarding the origin and subtyping of tumors found in serous fluids? What are the appropriate quality monitors for this specimen type? Special chapters on considerations for peritoneal washings, cytopreparatory techniques, mesothelioma and quality management are included to address these issues. The text contains literature reviews that elucidate existing evidence in support of current practices and recommendations. Expert opinions on where evidence was lacking, the most common practices were adopted by consensus, and where there was no commonality, are employed. Written by experts in the field, The International System for Serous Fluid Cytopathology serves as a collaborative effort between the International Academy of Cytology and the American Society for Cytopathology and calls upon participation of the international cytopathology and oncology communities to contribute to the development of a truly international system for reporting serous fluid cytology