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− | *Have microvili on their surface
| + | ==Introduction== |
− | *Very fragile but regenerate very quickly
| + | Mesothelial cells are a specialised type of '''epithelium''' which make up the '''mesothelium''' which lines all serosal surfaces. |
− | *High fibrinolytic activity - protects against the formation of adhesions
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− | *Show reactive change with [[Peritonitis|inflammation]] or [[ Effusions|effusions]]
| + | They have '''microvilli on their luminal surface''' and the proteins and serosal fluid trapped by these provide a '''frictionless surface for internal organs to slide past one another'''. Their high fibrinolytic activity protects against the formation of '''adhesions'''. |
− | *May be confused with neoplastic cells
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| + | They are very fragile cells which are frequently seen in smears following centesis or pleural cavities. However they regenerate very quickly. |
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| + | ==Mesothelial cellular proliferation== |
| + | ===Inflammatory response=== |
| + | Mesothelial cells may proliferate in response to '''irritation''' or an [[Peritonitis|inflammatory disease]] at the mucosal surface. This may be due to '''fluid-accumulation''' in the peritoneal cavity following an [[Effusions|effusion]] or due to a space-occupying mass like a tumour or intestinal enlargement. |
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| + | '''Cytologically''', these cells have typical morphological features of round, mononuclear to binuclear cells present individually or in small cohesive clusters. |
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| + | Marked mesothelial cellular hyperplasia may have marked cellular pleomorphism and multiple '''strong nuclear criteria for malignancy'''. |
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| + | It may be '''impossible to distinguish''' reactive mesothelial cells from a neoplastic process. |
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| + | This is why the mesothelial cell population should always be '''considered in relation''' to the other types of cell in the sample. |
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| + | If the process is predominantly inflammatory, criteria for malignancy may be tolerated. However if the inflammation is minor and there are many mesothelial cells, one should strongly consider a malignant process. |
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| + | '''Ancillary diagnostics''' such as imaging and biopsy of the lesion should always be considered. |
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| + | ===Neoplasm=== |
| + | '''Mesotheliomas''' are malignant neoplasms which can arise from the pericardial, thoracic or abdominal pleural surfaces in all domestic animals. |
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| + | ==References== |
| + | Morrison, W. (2002) '''Cancer in dogs and cats''' ''Teton NewMedia'' |
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| + | Meuten, D. (2002) '''Tumors in domestic animals''' ''Wiley-Blackwell'' |
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| + | Slatter, D. (2002) '''Textbook of small animal surgery''' ''Elsevier Health Sciences'' |
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| + | [[Category:To Do - Helen]] |
| + | [[Category:To Do - Review]] |