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Diseases and Conditions
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBack to Intro
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Cytology

What is cytology?

Cytology is the study of individual cells to detect abnormal cells. Used extensively to diagnose cancer, cytology is also used in screening for fetal abnormalities and in diagnosing infectious organisms.

The cells to be examined may be obtained through the following methods:

  • scraping the tissue surface

  • body fluids

  • fine-needle aspirations (removing cells by drawing them through a fine needle)

Cytology is different from histology, which is the study of grouping of cells that form tissues.

Online Source: American Medical Association http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/40/cytotech0809.pdf
Online Medical Reviewer: Jennifer Kanipe, RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sara M. Foster, RN, MPH
Date Last Reviewed: 6/13/2009
Date Last Modified: 12/3/2008
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