Educational Objectives:
1. Develop a practical approach to diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions suspected of pancreatic carcinoma
2. Characterize role of multispecialty approach to the diagnosis of mucinous cystic lesions of the pancreas
3. Characterize role of ancillary studies on limited cytology samples

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration has emerged as a modality of choice in managing patients with pancreatic neoplasms. The success of utilization of this technique depends upon many variables. It is also known that assessment of EUS images by endosonographers and its guided FNA samples from the pancreas remains a significant challenge for cytopathologists with grave patient implications. A development of a sound partnership between the two can provide a solid framework to determine further patient management. This course will utilize a case based approach to demonstrate practical algorithmic approach to arrive at diagnosis of suspected pancreatic carcinomas and differentiate pancreatitis (chronic and autoimmune) from pancreatic carcinoma. This course will also show how to distinguish non ductal pancreatic lesions such as pancreatic endocrine neoplasms from its mimickers. Finally, the course will highlight a partnered approach to a diagnosis of mucinous cystic lesions of the pancreas and opportunities to refine morphologic diagnosis based on available ancillary studies performed on these limited samples.

Educational Objectives:
1. Review current advances in thoracic oncology to bring the participants up-to-date with the concept of target therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
2. Review the use of immunocytochemistry in the subclassification of NSCLC and evaluation of prognostic markers in lung adenocarcinoma
3. Highlight the importance of critical cytological material for molecular mutation analysis, including EGFR and KRAS mutation, as well as the newly discovered EML4-ALK translocation, and future discoveries
4. Emphasize the important role of cytopathologists and allied professionals in the management of patients with lung cancer, from the specimen acquisition, diagnosis accuracy, and triage for molecular studies

The majority of patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer present with advanced clinical stage, where systemic therapy is the most common therapeutic option. In these cases, cytology or small biopsy specimens are the only mean of tissue diagnosis. Target therapy, the use of specific drugs to address specific molecular alterations discovered in lung cancer, has become one of the most important modalities of systemic therapy. Cytopathologists and allied professionals have become integral to the patient management team by providing accurate diagnosis, crucial prognostic information, and participants in the triage of critical diagnostic material for specific molecular tests. This session will provide the participants with practical information on the utilization of resources to reach adequate and accurate diagnosis as well as procurement and management of tissue for molecular tests.

Educational Objectives:
1. Illustrate the true value of urine cytology in detecting high grade lesions
2. Recognize the pitfalls that could lead to erroneous diagnoses and how to avoid them
3. Explore the role of molecular diagnostics in difficult cases
4. Explain how to perform quality assurance in your own laboratory by correlating urologic findings, cytology and biopsy diagnosis

This workshop is designed to highlight the major role of urinary cytology in correctly diagnosing high grade lesions and how to minimize any false positives by illustrating the various pitfalls that could arise due to viral infections, stones, drugs, radiation, etc. Define the role of molecular testing in urine cytology.

Educational Objectives:
1. Approach to cytomorphological evaluation of serous fluid cytology specimens from various benign and malignant conditions
2. Discussion of methods for evaluating immunohistochemistry in cell block sections of serous fluids
3. Emphasize important diagnostic pitfalls

The course will provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic framework for evaluating cytology of serous effusions, which are easily obtainable and therefore can be seen in any pathology laboratory. However, paradoxically these specimens present a considerable diagnostic difficulty for practicing pathologists in both community and academic settings. The intended audience includes residents, fellows, and pathologists wishing to refresh and update their knowledge in this field with some revolutionary approaches. Topics covered will be practical issues including specimen collection and processing with emphasis on cytomorphological evaluation with proper application of ancillary tests, especially immunocytochemistry.

Educational Objectives:
1. Learn effective FNA techniques, including needle placement, sampling different types of lesions (reactive lymph node versus sclerotic carcinoma versus cystic lesion)
2. Learn effective smearing technique to get oprimal smears every time
3. Learn effective ways to divide samples to maximize the yield from the FNA, including dealing with bloody or dilute samples, and obtaining material for ancillary studies (flow cytometry, molecular testing and cell blocks)
4. Learn techniques to deal with emotional, difficult or confrontational patients
5. Introduction to ultrasound guidance for needle placement

This interactive hands-on workshop is geared to cytology fellows, residents and practicing cytologists, including cytotechnologists involved with FNA procurement. The workshop is well suited for individuals with limited opportunities for performing FNA but will also benefit those working in busy or active FNA practices who would like to sharpen their skills and learn some new techniques to refine and optimize their samples. Prior to the workshop, participants will be asked to review Dr. Ljung's instructional video on FNA available on-line or on DVD. The workshop will be divided into 4 components. First there will be a short lecture summarizing the main points of Dr. Ljung's video, followed by a live demonstration of the biopsy techniques using cow liver and other props as needed. Second, we will then divide the participants into small groups of 3 or 4 with an instructor. Each participant will have an opportunity to practice the techniques demonstrated, with the instructor present to offer advice and correction as needed. Third, we will re-convene the class to for a group demonstration and reinforce the techniques learned. We will also introduce ultrasound guidance for needle placement using an US machine and phantoms. The fourth session will consist of discussing techniques for dealing with difficult, emotional or combative patients with short role-play scenarios using volunteer participants as cytologists and instructors as difficult patients.