sejtpatológiához

Sejtpatológia, also known as cytopathology, is a branch of pathology that studies diseases at the cellular level. It involves the examination of individual cells or small clusters of cells that have been shed or collected from various body sites. The primary goal of sejtpatológia is to diagnose diseases, particularly cancer and precancerous conditions, as well as to identify infectious agents and monitor treatment effectiveness.

This diagnostic technique relies on microscopic examination of stained cell samples. Cells are typically collected through methods like fine-needle aspiration (FNA), scraping (e.g., Pap smear for cervical cancer screening), brushing, or by examining fluids such as urine, pleural fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid. Once collected, the cells are spread onto glass slides, fixed, and stained using various techniques, most commonly the Papanicolaou stain (Pap stain) or Wright's stain. A pathologist or cytotechnologist then meticulously analyzes the stained cells under a microscope, looking for abnormalities in their size, shape, nucleus, cytoplasm, and overall arrangement. These cellular changes can indicate inflammation, infection, benign growths, or malignant tumors.

Sejtpatológia plays a crucial role in early disease detection, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. Its minimally invasive nature and relatively quick turnaround time make it a valuable tool in diagnostic medicine. Examples of common sejtpatológia applications include cervical cancer screening, diagnosis of thyroid nodules, breast lesions, lung masses, and various infections.