Is positive pleural fluid cytology from pleural mesothelioma considered M+?
Should patient be considered for definitive therapy or chemo alone if pleural cytology positive but no T4, N2, or sarcomatoid features?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
No, positive pleural fluid cytology is not considered M1 disease based on AJCC 8th edition staging. Pleural effusion with positive cytology is often present even in early stage disease.Initially, MPM forms small, discrete nodules on the parietal pleura surfaces, convalescing into confluent sheets of...