Application value of paraffin-embedded section of cell block in differential diagnosis of benign or malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion

Abstract

Objective To investigate the value of paraffin-embedded section of cell block in the diagnosis of benign or malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion. Methods 105 patients suspected with malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion admitted into tour hospital from November, 2015 to December, 2017 were selected as the research objects. The specimens of pleural and peritoneal effusion of all the patients were collected. And these specimens were given paraffin-embedded section of cell block, cell smear, and exfoliative cell pathological examination. The results of exfoliative cell pathological examination were taken as the gold standard. The positive rates of malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion diagnosed by paraffin-embedded section of cell block and cell smear were evaluated. The diagnostic value of the two methods was compared. Results Among the 50 pleural effusion specimens, the results of exfoliative cell pathological examination showed that there were 36 cases of malignant pleural effusion. Among the 55 peritoneal effusion specimens, the results of exfoliative cell pathological examination showed that there were 42 cases of malignant peritoneal effusion. The positive detection rate of pleural effusion diagnosed by paraffin-embedded section of cell block (80.56%) was higher than that diagnosed by cell smear (58.33%), with a statistical difference (P<0.05). The positive detection rate of peritoneal effusion diagnosed by paraffin-embedded section of cell block (85.71%) was higher than that diagnosed by cell smear (64.29%), with a statistical difference (P<0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of paraffin-embedded section of cell block in the diagnosis of malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion were higher than those of cell smear, with statistical differences (all P<0.05). Conclusions Paraffin-embedded section of cell block in the differential diagnosis of benign or malignant pleural and peritoneal effusion has high sensitivity and specificity, and can increase the diagnostic accuracy and provide an important basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Key words: Pleural effusion; Paraffin-embedded section of cell block; Cell smear; Exfoliative cell pathological examination