2021 Volume 60 Issue 2 Pages 86-93
Objective : The primary site of cancer was estimated by ascites cytology and immunohistochemical staining by the cell block method (CB), and the time until a treatment plan could be decided for the cancer of unknown primary (CUP) was examined.
Study Design : This was a retrospective analysis of ascites cytology and CB in a total 5 patients who underwent ascites cytology for the diagnosis of CUP between January 2017 and April 2018. Immunohistochemical staining was performed in cases with a positive ascites cytology. The treatment policy for each case, the interval (in days) to decision about the treatment policy, the prognosis, etc., were examined.
Results : The predicted diagnosis was ovarian cancer in 4 of the 5 cases, and colon cancer in the remaining 1 case. The period from the first visit to our department to decision on the treatment plan was 7-13 days (average, 10.6 days).
Conclusion : CB is useful, minimally invasive tool for rapid prediction of the primary site of cancer in cases of CUP.
