Cytology

Cytology is the study of cell biology. In a medical context, cytology often refers to the study of disease on a cellular level, and is also known as cytopathology. In a cytology test, cells are extracted from the body for examination under microscope. Cells can be taken through abrasion, which merely involves a superficial scraping of cells off the area under investigation, or through "fine needle aspiration," which involves drawing the cells up through the needle of a syringe (1). A cytology exam is an alternative to a biopsy, which is generally more invasive and carries more medical risk. However, a biopsy result is often considered more accurate and conclusive (2).

After the cells are obtained in a cytology test, they are preserved and examined by a cytotechnologist, who identifies and marks abnormal cells for the pathologist. The pathologist makes a diagnosis based on his examination of the marked cells. Test results from a cytology exam are usually available in one to two days, but may take long due to a number of considerations, such as a need for a second expert opinion (3).

'Cytology' Sources:
  1. "Diagnosis." From the Oral Cancer Foundation's website. Available: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/diagnosis/ (Accessed July 13, 2007).
  2. "Effusions and Cytology." From Mesothel.com. Available: http://www.mesothel.com/pages/cytology.htm (Accessed July 13, 2007).
  3. "Testing Biopsy and Cytology Specimens for Cancer." From the American Cancer Society's website. Available: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Testing_Biopsy_and_Cytology_Specimens_for_Cancer.asp (Accessed July 13, 2007).

 

 

 

 

 
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