Study of Peritoneal Fluid-An Experience in a Tertiary Care Rural Hospital

Abstrac

Exfoliative cytology of body fluids: an analysis

Background: Cytology can be studied on exfoliated cells or on cells aspirated by a needle. Body fluids are easily obtained by tapping i.e. pleural, peritoneal, same are subjected to biochemical and cytological examination. As an aid to the diagnosis, cytological evaluation of these fluids can be fruitful as observed largely. Present study is an attempt to analyze all the samples referred for cytological evaluation in a tertiary care hospital. Materials andMethod: The present study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical and retrospective type of study carried out in the department of pathology, of a tertiary care rural hospital over a period of one year from January 2015 to December 2015. Various body fluids such as peritoneal, pleural, cerebrospinal, etc were received in our department were studied under light microscope for cellular characteristics and classified in malignant and non-malignant entities. Improved Neubaeur’s chamber was used for the cell counts. Results: A total of 414 body fluids were received in the one year period. Peritoneal fluid comprised of the majority of the cases with 189 (45.65%) cases followed by pleural fluid with 138 (33.34%) cases. Non-malignant diagnosis was given in majority of the cases. Slight male preponderance was noted with the mean age of presentation across all the patients being 46.6 years. Conclusion: Body fluid cytology is a rapid and simple diagnostic modality employed primarily for disease diagnosis in malignant and non-non-malignant cases. Meticulous examination with proper clinical correlation will go a long way in improving patient treatment and care

Malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract – an overview

Background: Gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a dynamic organ owing to its anatomy and function. The upper GI and lower GI are considered separately when dealing with various lesions that occur therein. A wide variety of nonmalignant and malignant lesions with various clinical and prognostic outcomes can occur throughout the GI tract. In this study, we aim to analyze and delve into the details of the various malignancies that were encountered throughout the GI tract in our institution. Materials & Method: The present work is a cross-sectional and analytical type of study conducted in the department of Pathology in a tertiary care rural hospital over a period of one year (Jan 2014 to Dec 2014). All malignant cases which were confirmed on histopathology were studied. Detailed clinical and radiological history was obtained. All the data was then further analysed. Result: A total of 263 cases of lesions of the GI tract were received. Of these, 65 (24.71%) cases were malignant, whereas 198 (75.29%) cases were nonmalignant. Male: Female ratio was 1.9:1. Mean age across all the lesions was 49.1 years. Most commonly affected site was oral cavity with 35 (53.85%) cases followed by large intestine with 14 (21.54%) cases. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent malignancy encountered. Conclusion: GI tract can give rise to various malignancies affecting any part and span across a age group Squamous cell carcinoma was the most commonly encountered malignancy followed by adenocarcinoma. The incidence of malignancies is on a rise in India as observed in our study. Accurate diagnosis of these malignancies is very important as treatment for various malignancies varies

Cytological evaluation of breast lesions: Can it still go the long way?

Background: Breast lesions are a common occurrence in women of all age groups. Geographically, the occurrence of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions varies. The accurate diagnosis of individual cases has garnered importance over the years owing to a steep rise in neoplastic occurrences. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been a useful component in the diagnostic panel of palpable breast lesions. Materials & Method: Present work was carried out in the department of pathology, of a tertiary rural care hospital, over a period of one year from January 2015 to December 2015. FNAC was performed on all the patients presenting with palpable breast lesions. Smears were prepared and studied under light microscopy under clinical and radiological guidance. All the data was then studied and analyzed. Results: FNAC was performed on 171 cases. Cytologically, we categorized all the lesions as infectious/ inflammatory with 19 (11.11%), benign 76(44.44%), suspicious for malignancy 04 (2.33%), malignant with 62 (36.25%) and 09 (5.26%) unsatisfactory cases. Mean age of presentation was 45.5 years with left breast being more commonly involved. Histopathological correlation was possible in 111 (64.91%) cases. High sensitivity and specificity was observed. Conclusion: FNAC still remains a reliable, cost-effective, patient friendly and minimally invasive method. The application of FNAC as a diagnostic modality in palpable breast lesions should be all the more encouraged in routine practice