Cytopathology

Cytopathology is a testing procedure used in the field of pathology to evaluate abnormal cellular and tissue changes.

METHODS:

In cytology, cell collection is very important for cell evaluation. Common methods of collection include collecting cells from the surface of the cell.

・Cytological Smear:

Performed as part of a cervical cancer screening. The physician collects cells from the cervix and applies them to a glass slide.

・Needle biopsy:

A needle is inserted into a tumor or abnormal area to collect tissue and cells. This method is used to access deeper areas of tissue.

・Skin biopsy:

A portion of tissue is removed from an abnormal area of skin and evaluated.

・Liquid cytology (liquid-based cytology):

used for cytology of the cervix, cells are collected in a liquid medium for later evaluation.The collected cells are examined under a microscope to evaluate cell morphology, structure, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Purpose：

The main purpose of cytological diagnosis is to detect cancerous or abnormal cells. For example, cervical cancer screening is an example of cytological diagnosis. Cytological diagnosis is very useful for early detection of cancer and diagnosis of lesions.

What is the difference between a biopsy and a biopsy？

Whereas cytology focuses on the cell surface and evaluates cell morphology and nuclear characteristics, biopsy evaluates the tissue as a whole, the arrangement of cells, and the pathological characteristics of the tissue.