Is 5ml peritoneal fluid enough for adequate staging?

[lyn42]

On my pathology report "5 mL of red fluid" was recieved (peritoneal fluid).  Is this sufficient for staging?  Is this standard?  How much do other people's reports have listed?  Or maybe I'm unclear as to what peritoneal washings are.  I just figured that when they are "in there" they actually sort of wash the peritoneum and collect the fluid from the washing.  

So that's my question:  How much peritoneal fluid did your pathologist recieve?

My report reads:
Peritoneal Fluid - received 5mL red fluid - 1 air dried and 1 fixed smear, 2 cytospins and cell block 2 levels

Is this enough fluid to tell something?  (I'm concerned because my washings had a small number of highly suspicious cells whose appearance is "worrisome for an ovarian carcinoma.  However, in view of the small number they can not be considered conclusive for a malignant tumour.")  

They want my follow up to be once a year.  My diagnosis is "Mucinous Borderline tumor of the ovary with intraepithelial carcinoma, foci of microinvasion and a mural nodule of sarcomatous carcinoma (5mm).

Are the washings sufficient?  

[lyn42]

Do you have a copy of your path report?  How much fluid did your pathologist receive?

[dian07]

I would get a second opinion from another gyn/oncologist.  I would definitely want to be reassured this is the proper response to your situation.
Peace.
dian