cytologii

Cytology is the branch of biology and medicine that studies cells, including their structure, function, and pathology. In a clinical context, it focuses on cellular material obtained from tissues or body fluids to diagnose disease, characterize lesions, and monitor treatment. Cytology is a core component of cytopathology, the diagnostic discipline that interprets cellular samples.

Specimens and methods: Exfoliative cytology collects shed cells from surfaces or secretions, as in Pap tests from the cervix, sputum, urine, or pleural fluid. Aspiration cytology uses needle-based sampling of masses or lymph nodes, notably fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Liquid-based cytology and improved staining techniques (for example, Papanicolaou and Romanowsky stains) enhance cell preservation and visualization. On prepared slides, immunocytochemistry and molecular assays (such as HPV typing or mutation analysis) can be applied to aid diagnosis.

Applications and limitations: Cytology is widely used for cancer screening, diagnosis, and staging, as well as for infectious and inflammatory conditions. It offers rapid results and is less invasive than surgical biopsy, but it provides cellular details without tissue architecture, which can limit interpretation. Adequate sampling and expert cytotechnologist review are essential for reliable conclusions; some cases require histological examination.

History: The modern practice originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant advances in staining techniques. The Papanicolaou stain, introduced in the 1940s, greatly expanded the role of cytology in cervical cancer screening and other diagnostics. The development of FNAC further established cytology as a primary diagnostic modality in many settings.