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cancer cells in pleural fluid

Niks
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My mother was diagnosed with LAMS (Lymphangioleiomyomatosis) a few months ago. Recently she was hospitalized with increased pleural fluid which we thought had to do with her LAMS. She underwent a thoracentesis after 2 days in the hospital and was released the next day. The other day they gave us the results of her thoracentesis and we were told they found cancer cells consistent with adenocarinoma. However, She has had a few CT scans with the LAMS and the physician saw no evidence of lung cancer then. Does anyone have a similar story and what was the outcome. I just want to know what to expect.

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3 replies

gpawelski

Imaging technologies cannot substitute for the biologist's thorough examination of the features of a cell. And even then, physicians have settled on the smallest amount of tumor tissue possible, often with a fine needle aspirate that collects just a few cells for biopsy analysis. Larger bore needles are needed to perform core biopsies or even remove entire lymph nodes, so they can collect enough live (fresh) tissue to more reliably determine the histologic and molecular features of a specimen.

The specimen analyzed by the pathologist is the source of crucial information that informs the decisions and actions of medical oncologists. And, from a recent article in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, the role of both surgeon and pathologist is evolving to require an ever greater degree of professional attention towards the specimen. The specimen possesses the molecular information needed to define the specific molecular characteristics of the patient's tumor cells, the specific therapies to which the tumor cells would be expected to respond, and even the specific risks of adverse reactions to given therapies predicted by the patient's genetic make-up.

Barb267

gpawelski,
You always have such wonderful information. I am so glad that you are on this site as you have really helped me to understand what the heck is going on when I don't have a clue.

Blessed to have your knowledge,
Barb

cards7up

The CT scan probably picked up the fluid and that's why the thora. It wouldn't necessarily show up on the CT unless there were tumors that can be seen. The fluid testing is what showed the cancer cells and this could be in the plueral lining. You will have to wait and see what's going on if they have'nt already told you. Here is a good article re: LAM. Good luck and take care,JC
http://www.thoracic.org/sections/education/patient-education/patient-educat ion-materials/patient-information-series/resources/lam.swf

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