The detection of tumour cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of leukaemia and lymphoma patients is a challenge for CSF cytological investigation. Nevertheless, it is generally possible to confirm the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by conventional microscopic detection of tumour cells. Immunocytochemical staining techniques are a valuable complement of conventional cytology. Immunocytochemical cell phenotyping is indicated for identification of atypical cells in patients with suspected primary CNS lymphoma or malignant haematological disease.
(c) Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart-New York.