On completion of this section the cytotechnologist should know:

• the physiopathology of the effusions
• the collection and preparation methods
• the role of cytology in effusions
• the reporting terminology
• cytologic features of normal mesothelial cells and inflammatory cells
• cytologic features of atypical mesothelial cells and the causes of mesothelial atypia
• cytologic features of inflammatory conditions
• the features of malignant effusions
• epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and cytologic features of malignant mesothelioma
• cytologic features of metastatic tumors and lymphoma
• criteria for differential diagnosis