Citopatologjinë

Citopatologjinë, also known as cytopathology, is a branch of pathology that studies cells. It involves the examination of individual cells or small clusters of cells that have been shed or collected from various parts of the body. The primary goal of citopatologjinë is to detect or diagnose diseases, particularly cancer, at an early stage.

The process typically involves collecting samples, which can be obtained through methods like fine-needle aspiration (FNA), brushing, scraping, or from bodily fluids such as urine, pleural fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. These collected cells are then smeared onto glass slides, fixed, and stained. A cytopathologist or a cytotechnologist examines these stained slides under a microscope to identify any abnormalities in cell structure, size, or arrangement.

Citopatologjinë plays a crucial role in screening for various cancers, including cervical cancer (Pap smear), breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and lung cancer. It is also used to diagnose infections and inflammatory conditions. The advantage of citopatologjinë lies in its minimally invasive nature, often requiring less tissue than a biopsy, and its ability to provide rapid results. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of cytological samples requires expertise, and sometimes further investigations, such as a biopsy, may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. The field is continuously evolving with advancements in technology, including automated screening and molecular analysis of cellular samples.