The value of immunocytochemistry in the cytological diagnosis of serous effusion

Objective To investigate the value of immunocytochemistry 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.Epithelial membrane antigen(EMA),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),(CAL),(CK)17,CK18 and vimentin(VIM) were detected in 58 serous specimens. Results In 58 cases with immunocytochemical examination,there were 38 malignant cases and 20 reactive cases. Conclusions The combination use of CAL,EMA,CEA and VIM provides the best result for the identification of cancer cells from both negative and positive sides,CK17 and CK18 have some value in the differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma from adenocarcinoma in the effusion.Immunocytochemistry should be widely used in cytological diagnosis.