Is Presence Of Epithelial Cells In Sputum A Concern?

Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 4 Nov 2016 Answered on

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I had my phlegm analyzed and there were few epithelial cells, likely directly from my lungs. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There's nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern, but there is nothing to worry about it.

A few epithelial cells are normally present in the sputum.

The respiratory tract (airways) are lined with epithelial cells so, it is quite common to have these cells in the expectorated sputum.

However, if inflammation occurs in the respiratory tract, these cells are expectorated with the mucus, and the sputum must therefore contain numerous epithelial cells along with inflammatory cells.

Hope this answers your query, however you may send a follow up query if you have any clarification.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY