What is Cytopathology?

Cytopathology is a well established diagnostic sub-specialty of pathology. Instead of using surgically removed tissue to arrive at a diagnosis it attempts to identify diagnostic and prognostic information from dispersed cells obtained by non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques.  An example, and its greatest success story thus far, is the role it has played in the battle with cervical cancer. The introduction of the Pap smear has contributed immensely to the early diagnosis and significantly decreased mortality of cervical cancer. 

Since the initial introduction of Pap smear by George Papanicolaou, cytopathology has undergone significant progress. It is a highly dynamic area of pathology. Aspiration techniques have been enhanced by advances in endoscopy and imaging. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) allows not only the retrieval of diagnostic material but also immediate onsite evaluation. This facilitates application of various ancillary techniques (e.g. flowcytomery, cytogenetics, molecular pathology etc). Cost and operative trauma can be minimized. Similar techniques can be applied to body fluids, washings, brushings, and intraoperative cytology.