1009 - Non-gynaecological cytopathology

Question 1

What is cytology?

Answer 1

The use of diagnostic techniques to examine cells from various sites to determine the cause or nature of disease, including differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic.

Question 2

What are the three broad methods of cytology?

Answer 2

Exfoliative - Spontaneously shed cells in fluids (urine, pleural effusions)
Abrasive - Dislodge by scraping or brushing/washing (PAP, bronchial lavage)
Fine-needle aspiration.

Question 3

What are the advantages of cytology? (6)

Answer 3

Quick and easy collection, staining, and interpretation.
Inexpensive
Little risk to patient
Can identify disease process
Can determine next diagnostic procedure
Can form prognosis.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of cytology?

Answer 4

Not always possible to Locate lesion, particularly if small
Vulnerable to faulty technique.
Needs to be used with other clinical tools to make a diagnosis.

Question 5

What are the 7 aspects of cytology that must be noted in a report?

Answer 5

Adequacy of sample
Background - necrotic, mucinous etc
Cell concentration - high or low
Cell preservation - lysis or degenerate, intact
Inflammatory cells - which? dominant?
Lining cells - mesothelial, epithelial
Cells of interest - tumour cells