Utility of cytopathology in diagnosis and molecular testing of lung cancer.

摘要

We read with interest the editorial by Booton et al on advances in the treatment and diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Recently published best practice guidelines for pathology recommend the provision of as precise a diagnosis as possible, with optimisation of specimen use. We advocate the utility of cytopathology in this regard and share our experience of the diagnostic potential and the range of ancillary tests possible on respiratory-related cytology specimens.