cytopathologist

A cytopathologist is a physician specialized in cytopathology, a branch of pathology focusing on the study and diagnosis of diseases at the cellular level. Cytopathology uses cytology specimens to detect cancerous and precancerous changes, infections, inflammatory conditions, and other diseases. The role emphasizes analysis of cells collected from various sites, rather than tissue sections examined in histopathology.

Training typically includes earning a medical degree, completing a residency in pathology, and pursuing a formal fellowship or subspecialty in cytopathology. Board certification in pathology with a cytopathology subspecialty is common. Cytopathologists are responsible for evaluating specimens such as Pap test samples, fine-needle aspiration aspirates from thyroid nodules, breast lesions, lymph nodes, and other body fluids. They assess sample adequacy and render diagnostic interpretations.

Techniques used include conventional smear preparation, liquid-based cytology, and preparation of cell blocks for ancillary studies. They may employ immunocytochemistry, molecular testing, and sometimes flow cytometry to refine diagnoses. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is sometimes performed during procedures to determine sample adequacy and provide preliminary assessments.

Cytopathologists work in hospitals, cancer centers, academic medical centers, and reference laboratories. They collaborate with radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and other clinicians to guide patient management. The field complements histopathology, cytotechnologists, and molecular pathology in diagnosing neoplasms and other diseases, and it plays a central role in screening programs, diagnostic workups, and treatment planning.