Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that deals with manifestations of disease at the cellular level. This is a field that is gaining tremendous momentum all over the world due to its speed, accuracy and cost effectiveness.

USES:

1. Diagnostic aid as an alternative to tissue biopsy that drives treatment decisions.

2. As a screening tool; For eg, Pap smear for cervical cancer screening

3. As a follow-up for different diseases once an initial diagnosis has been made

4. For determination of different prognostic factors in cancer diagnosis

ADVANTAGES OF USING CYTOPATHOLOGY:

·      Safe

·      Simple

·      Cost effective

·      Quick

BRANCHES OF CYTOPATHOLOGY

Exfoliative cytology

The samples represent cells that exfoliate from superficial or mucosal surfaces. This includes:

• Gynecological samples: Eg; Pap smear samples for Cervical cancer screening, HPV testing etc
• Respiratory/exfoliative cytology: Eg; Sputum samples, Bronchoalveolar lavage etc
• Urine sample
• Body fluid: Eg; pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid  etc
• Discharge cytology: Eg; Discharge from wound site, Nipple discharge etc
• Scrape cytology: Eg; Skin scraping

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

• This is a simple technique to obtain diagnostic cellular/ tissue material using a fine bore needle. It is safe, relatively easy, accurate and in many cases can be a less invasive alternative to tissue biopsy.