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Case Reports
. 2024 Apr 19;16(4):e58597.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.58597. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Cytopathological Features of Extensive Bilateral Pleural Effusions in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Report of a Rare Case

Hehua Huang  1 , Caroline Yap  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Cytopathological Features of Extensive Bilateral Pleural Effusions in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Report of a Rare Case

Hehua Huang et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

We report a rare case of a 59-year-old male with a history of metastatic prostate cancer presenting with acute onset dyspnea due to extensive bilateral pleural effusions. This case highlights the rarity of metastatic prostate cancer with pleural involvement and underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis using cytopathology and immunohistochemical staining.

Keywords: cytopathology; malignant pleural effusions; metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma; nkx3.1; prostate cancer; prostate-specific antigen (psa); prostatic acid phosphatase (pap); serous fluid.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Cytospin of pleural fluid prepared with Diff-Quik stain
Against a backdrop of neutrophils, histiocytes, and erythrocytes, there is a notably large cell with a distinct nucleus and pronounced nucleoli (top arrow), accompanied by a large binucleated atypical cell also with conspicuous nucleoli (bottom arrow).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Direct smear of pleural fluid
In the background of inflammatory cells, one cell stands out with three to four overlapping nuclei. This multinucleated cell has prominent nucleoli and high nucleus to cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio.
Figure 3
Figure 3. H&E stained cell block of pleural fluid
Dispersed cells demonstrate moderate nuclear atypia. H&E: Hematoxylin and Eosin
Figure 4
Figure 4. Immunohistochemical staining for PAP
Positive result. PAP: Prostatic Acid Phosphatase
Figure 5
Figure 5. Immunohistochemical staining for PSA
Positive result. PSA: Prostate-Specific Antigen
Figure 6
Figure 6. Immunohistochemical staining for NKX3.1
Positive result.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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