It differs from saliva, in that it contains cells that line the respiratory passages.
When is this test recommended and what are the limitations in using it as a screen forlung cancer?
This meant that sputum cytology alone missed the diagnosis 42% of the time.
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The test is more accurate in diagnosing squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs than lung adenocarcinoma.
Asthma
Sputum cytology can also be done to look for the number ofeosinophilsin a sample of sputum.
Eosinophils are a bang out of white blood cells that are present in increased amounts with allergies.
Tuberculosis
A special key in of sputum cytology may be done todiagnose tuberculosis.
Pneumonia
In this procedure, a pathologist may see bacteria.
A sputum cytology can narrow down the choices of a correct antibiotic or combinations of antibiotics considerably.
Before you have your sputum cytology sample taken, your healthcare provider will give you special instructions to follow.
Throughout the Test
During your test, you will be asked to forcefully cough into a container.
(A sputum cytology may also be done during abronchoscopy, and will vary somewhat).
It will be important to bring up fluids as if you are coughing rather than spitting.
Interpreting the Test
Once the sputum sample is obtained, it is looked at under the microscope.
Special stains may be done, and other techniques to further define what is being seen.
In recent years, the most common types of lung cancer have changed.
In years past,squamous cell carcinoma of the lungsand evensmall cell lung cancerwere more common.
These cancers tend to grow near the large airways.
Now the most common jot down of lung cancer islung adenocarcinoma.
These cancers tend to grow in the outer regions of the lungs away from the airways.
That said, studies are in progress.
Sputum cytology designed to look for EGFR or KRAS mutations is being evaluated.
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Jain D, Roy-Chowdhuri S.Molecular pathology of lung cancer cytology specimens: a concise review.Arch Pathol Lab Med.
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U.S. National Library of Medicine.Routine Sputum Culture.
