cytomorphological

Cytomorphological evaluation is the study and description of cell form and structure as observed in cytology. It emphasizes the size, shape, arrangement, and intracellular features of cells and small clusters, with particular attention to nuclear and cytoplasmic characteristics. This approach aims to distinguish normal, reactive, inflammatory, and malignant cells based on morphology, often in conjunction with clinical data and ancillary testing.

In practice, cytomorphology examines specimens obtained by exfoliative sampling and fine-needle aspiration, including Pap smears, sputum, body fluids, and mass aspirates. Specimens are prepared on slides using cytospin or liquid-based techniques and stained with methods such as the Papanicolaou or Giemsa stain. The assessment focuses on features like cell size and shape, nuclear size and contours, chromatin pattern, nucleoli, cytoplasmic features, and the overall arrangement of cells.

Applications of cytomorphology include screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of a range of conditions, particularly in cytopathology. It supports cancer detection, infection assessment, and inflammatory processes, and often informs clinical management decisions. Limitations include subjectivity and dependence on sample adequacy and quality of preparation. For complex cases, cytomorphology is integrated with ancillary techniques such as immunocytochemistry, molecular testing, or imaging to achieve a more definitive diagnosis.