Cytologic diagnosis of atypical in serous fluid cytopathology. Approach of the international system for reporting serous fluid cytopathology

Diagnostic uncertainty may occur with almost any entity on cytological evaluation, depending on the quality and quantity of the provided sample. In serous fluid cytopathology, until recently, there had been no defined or agreed criteria for atypia and suspicious categories. Historically, the two descriptive terms appear to have been used almost interchangeably. The international system for serous fluid cytopathology is the first attempt by an expert international authorship to suggest the scenarios in which these terms are used and propose some diagnostic criteria and clinical management strategies.

Automated summary

Diagnostic uncertainty is common in cytological evaluation, with the quality and quantity of the sample playing a key role. In serous fluid cytopathology, there has historically been a lack of defined criteria for atypia and suspicious categories, leading to interchangeable usage. The international system aims to provide clear scenarios for using these terms and propose diagnostic criteria and management strategies.