A peritoneal dialysate fluid is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Patient history reveals an 85-year-old woman with a previous history of duodenal cancer that is in remission. The laboratician reviews the cytospin and notices many large cells that are smooth in appearance and have abundant, basophilic cytoplasm with smooth nuclear membrane, evenly distributed chromatin, and no nucleoli. What is the most probable identification of those cells?
A) Small-cell duodenal carcinoma
B) Reactive mesothelial
C) Adenocarcinoma
D) Ependymal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The large cells with smooth appearance, abundant basophilic cytoplasm, and evenly distributed chromatin without nucleoli are characteristic of reactive mesothelial cells. These cells are commonly seen in peritoneal dialysate fluid and are not indicative of cancer recurrence. Duodenal cancer cells would exhibit atypical features on microscopy, such as irregular nuclear membranes, clumped chromatin, multiple nucleoli, and might even appear as small cells. Similarly, adenocarcinoma cells would appear different from reactive mesothelial cells, with glandular structures, signet ring formations, and other atypical features. Ependymal cells, found in the central nervous system, would not be expected in the peritoneal dialysate fluid.

A Peritoneal Dialysate Fluid Is Sent to the Laboratory for Analysis