Chromosome analysis in effusions as a diagnostic adjunct to cytology.

Cytogenetic analysis using G-banding techniques for the diagnosis of malignancy in pleural and peritoneal effusions is compared with the results of traditional cytomorphology. The studies indicate that the yield of mitotic cells in malignant effusions is quite high when compared to fluids with no cytological evidence for malignancy. Chromosome criteria for malignancy are of special value in the differential diagnosis of reactive cells versus malignant cells, which pose problems when cytological evaluation alone is considered. Cytogenetic analysis can be performed rapidly and used side by side with conventional cytological procedures to obtain higher sensitivity for cancer diagnosis.