What is a cytological examination?
Cytology is the science that studies the cell.
During a cytological examination, the cytologist is informed about the pathological process in the body at the cellular level.
We should mention that today it has become possible to use complex cytological studies in combination with molecular biology and immunomorphological studies, which significantly reduces the number of inaccurate diagnoses.
What is the purpose of cytological examination?
Cytological examination makes it possible to preliminary diagnose the disease at the cellular level.
This research method determines the nature of the tumor, that is, under the control of a microscope, benign and malignant processes can be distinguished, which significantly increases the chances of curing the disease at an early stage.
Based on the response to the cytological examination, the doctor plans a course of treatment.
However, during cytological analysis, the surgeon determines the scale of the operation, for example, radical or organ-preserving.
It should be noted that cytological examination allows observing the dynamics of tumor formation.
How is a cytological examination performed?
Cytological examination is a completely safe, fast, painless, low-traumatic method. He is involved in the diagnosis of almost all organs and tissues.
Cytological examination is an indispensable diagnostic procedure designed for early detection and diagnosis of pathology.
In modern medicine, without a cytological examination, it is impossible to detect inflammatory foci (inflammatory process) of organs or systems, diagnose a precancerous condition, control benign or malignant tumors, observe, control.
Cytological examination of the sample has the following advantages over tissue biopsy:
- The process is relatively simple;
- The patient feels less discomfort;
- There are practically no serious complications;
- Lower financial costs.
Cytological examination can be prescribed for both diagnosis and screening.
As a diagnostic method
For diagnostic purposes, cytological examination is recommended only in clinical cases where the patient has symptoms characteristic of any disease (e.g., cancer).
Based on diagnostic research, it is possible to determine whether the disease really exists in the body.
As a screening study
Screening tests include examining a patient's health status, even if the disease is not yet symptomatic.
Screening is recommended for individuals at risk of developing various diseases.
To identify tumor cells during cytological examination, it may be necessary to collect fluid from different parts of the body, in particular, the sample may be:
- Urine;
- Saliva, phlegm;
- Cerebrospinal fluid;
- Pleural fluid;
- Pericardial fluid;
- Ascites fluid.
In addition to a fluid sample for cytological examination, scrap taken from the eroded area is used, as well as a kind of imprint of various formations.
A cytologist can examine some cells that have grown from any organ or tissue.
Pap-test
The most famous cytological study in the world is the Pap test.
Pap test is a method of cytological diagnosis of pathologies of the cervix. During the procedure, cells are taken from the surface of the cervix and from the cervical canal with special instruments.
Pap-test analysis is an affordable, simple and painless method that allows you to detect cervical cancer or cancer at an early stage, allowing the oncologist to promptly prescribe treatment and slow the progression of the disease.
Pap-test analysis significantly reduced female oncological and gynecological morbidity and mortality in developed countries.
For cytological testing, a test sample can also be scraped from the following areas of the body:
- Esophageal tube;
- Stomach;
- Bronchi;
- Mouth.
P.S. Examination of cytological material at Acibadem Labmed is already possible through the official partner I-Lab. For detailed information see the link
