Cytology

Function

Cytology is the branch of pathology that examines individual cells or small groups of cells under a microscope to look for signs of disease, particularly cancer. Unlike a biopsy, which looks at the 'architecture' of a tissue chunk, cytology focuses on the 'morphology' (shape, size, and internal structure) of single cells.

Why it is Ordered

Cytology tests are frequently used as screening tools (like the Pap smear) or as a minimally invasive way to investigate lumps or fluid accumulation. Doctors order cytology when a patient has a suspicious mass, a persistent cough (sputum cytology), or unexplained fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites). It is the 'gold standard' for determining if a fluid collection is inflammatory or malignant.

Associated Conditions

• Malignancy: Detection of carcinomas, lymphomas, or sarcomas.
• Infections: Identification of fungal elements, viral inclusion bodies (like Herpes), or bacterial colonies.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Distinguishing between different types of inflammation (e.g., eosinophilic vs. neutrophilic).
• Pre-cancerous Changes: Identifying dysplasia (abnormal growth) before it becomes invasive cancer.