Malignant Cells Microscopy Sputum
What is this test?
Conventional sputum cytology can be used for the detection of lung cancer. A sputum sample is considered representative if alveolar macrophages or bronchial epithelial cells are present because this shows that the samples originate from deep within the lung. Usually, a minor part of the sputum sample is analysed cytologically for the presence of cancerous cells, and only a small proportion of cells (< 1%) are tumour cells. Sputum cytology plays a limited role in prospective lung cancer screening studies. Malignant cells were present in the lung cancer cases detected in sputum examinations, 11 squamous cell carcinomas. However, compared with x ray screening, sputum cytology was associated with a higher chance of detecting tumours at early stages.
Test Preparation
No special preparation is needed for Malignant Cells Microscopy Sputum. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing Malignant Cells Microscopy Sputum. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.
Understanding your test results
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The observations are reported by pathologist depending on the presence of malignant cells |