Today, cytology of body cavity fluids is an integral part of cancer staging. A positive diagnosis indicates a high-stage (III or IV) cancer in a majority of instances. General pathologists and cytotechnologists rely on routine cytomorphologic criteria to help oncologists in their staging of cancer patients. The diagnostic clarity, however, is challenged by many false negatives and occasional false positive results. The former is usually followed by an unnecessary surgical procedure in the case of an under-staged cancer and the latter may prevent treatment of a potentially curable disease due to a falsely up-staged cancer.

Effusion Cytology is a practical manual in diagnosis and interpretation of body cavity fluid (BCF) specimens. This highly illustrated volume will provide handy information for the residents, fellows and general pathologists with limited basic knowledge in the area of cytopathology. The book provides a step-by-step guide to evaluation of BCF specimens with the specific goal of identification of malignancies. Use of ancillary techniques such as immunocytochemistry is discussed where appropriate. Special attention is given to the formulation of final cytologic reports of the diagnosis of difficult cases.

• Focus on Cancer Diagnosis: The book seeks to answer the simple question - Does this fluid represent malignancy?
• Practicality: Offers practical approaches to resolving the numerous daily technical and diagnostic problems encountered in a cytology laboratory dealing with body cavity fluid specimens
• Use of Limited Panel of Tumor Markers by Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Describes a simple innovative technique for applying ICC to cytologic smears
• A Practical Guide to Formulate Final Cytologic Reports: The reader will be guided as to how to convey any diagnostic difficulty or issue to the attending physician