The integration of cytogenetic analysis into the evaluation of cryptic exudative effusions.

Cytogenetic analysis of serous effusions is a proven method of distinguishing a malignant from a benign effusion. This article demonstrates that patient management can be altered because of the results of karyotyping. Because such analysis is not necessary in all cases, an algorithm is constructed that defines the place of cytogenetics in the orderly evaluation of exudative serous effusions. As cytogenetic techniques improve, specific malignant cell types can be diagnosed based on cytogenetic abnormalities.