[Diagnostic use of the cell culture technique in a case of postoperative saccate lymphorrhea].

The Authors demonstrated the presence of tumour cells by an in vitro culture of the cells from the pellet of a postoperative saccate effusion, when no tumor cells were evident by the cytologic examination of the effusion. The ultrastructural features and the immunocytochemical characteristics of the cell line were analyzed and these data confirmed its malignant nature. It allowed a firm diagnosis, a correct therapy and prognosis.