The Value of Immunocytochemistry in the Cytological Diagnosis of Serous Effusion

Objective To investigate the value of immunocytochemistry(ICC) in the differential diagnosis of difficult cases with serous effusion in the serous cavity.Methods The immunocytochemical method was utilized for the differential diagnosis and classification of malignant tumor cells in serous effusion.EMA,CEA,CAL,CK17,CK18 and vimentin were selected in the study of 58 cases of serous specimen.Results In cases with immunocytochemical examinations,there were 38 cases malignant and 20 cases reactive.Conclusions CAL,EMA,CEA,vimentin used in combination are the best antibody's composition for the identification of cancer cells from both negative and positive sides.CK17 and CK18 have some reference value in the differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma in the effusion.Therefore,immunocytochemistry should be widely used in cytoloyical diagnosis.