Diagnostic Role of Cytology and Its Applications in Clinical Care

Introduction

Cytology plays a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of diseases, particularly cancer. It involves the microscopic examination of cells to identify abnormalities.

Types of Cytological Tests

Exfoliative Cytology

This test analyzes cells shed naturally from tissues, such as the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear for cervical cancer detection.

Aspiration Cytology

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely used for assessing lumps or masses in organs like the thyroid and breast.

Clinical Applications

• Cancer detection and screening
• Infectious disease diagnosis
• Hormonal disorder assessment
• Preoperative evaluations

Advantages of Cytological Diagnostics

Cytology is minimally invasive, cost-effective, and provides rapid results, making it an essential tool in modern pathology.

Conclusion

With advancements in cytological techniques, early and accurate disease diagnosis is more achievable than ever.