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Cytology
CytologyDefinitionCytology is the examination of individual cells and small clusters of cells, and may be used for the diagnosis and screening of diseases, including cancers. Cytology can also be referred to as cytopathology. PurposeDiagnostic tests are used to detect a disease in individuals who have signs, symptoms, or some other abnormality that is indicative of disease. A screening test identifies those who might have a certain disease, sometimes before they develop any symptoms, but does not absolutely prove that disease is present. If a screening test is positive, a diagnostic test can be used as follow-up to verify the diagnosis. PrecautionsProcedures to gather cells for cytology are often less invasive than other forms of biopsy , and therefore may cause less discomfort, be less likely to result in serious complications, and cost less to perform. In some situations, however, where a piece of tissue is removed rather than individual cells, a different type of biopsy may be required to confirm the cytologic diagnosis. DescriptionSamples for cytology can be obtained in more than one way. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a type of biopsy in which tumor samples are taken through thin needles. Scrape or brush cytology is another technique in which cells are scraped or brushed from the organ or tissue being tested. Samples from the esophagus, stomach, bronchi (breathing tubes that lead to the lungs), and mouth can be obtained using this procedure. How a cytology sample is processed depends on what type of sample it is. A doctor can smear a sample directly on a glass microscope slide. The slide is then stained and viewed by a cytopathologist. In other cases, the fluid is concentrated before being smeared and stained on a slide. This is especially useful for dilute samples such those from body cavities. Most routine cytology results are available one or two days after the sample is received in the laboratory. There are many reasons why some results take longer to return, such as if special stains are required to confirm a diagnosis. Preparation, Aftercare, and RisksBecause this analysis is performed on cells that had been already gathered during initial diagnostic procedures, there is no additional preparation, aftercare, or risks for the patient. The only procedure, aftercare, or risks to note would be those associated with the sample collection itself. Normal resultsA cytopathologist examines and identifies the normal and abnormal cells on the slide using a microscope. Abnormal resultsA pathologist reviews the cells identified as abnormal to decide on a diagnosis. ResourcesPERIODICALSDahlstrom, Jane E., Gillian M. Langdale-Smith, and Daniel T.James. "Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Pulmonary Lesions: A Reliable Diagnostic Test" Pathology 33 (2001): 13-16. ORGANIZATIONSAmerican Cancer Society. 1599 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA30329. (404) 320-3333. <http://www.cancer.org>. American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). 2100 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. (312) 738-1336. <http://www.ascp.org.>. American Society for Cytopathology (ASC). 400 West 9th Street, Suite 201, Wilmington, DE 19801. (302) 429-8802. <http://www.cytopathology.org.>. College of American Pathologists (CAP). 325 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093. (800) 323-4040. <http://www.cap.org>. International Academy of Cytology (IAC). 1640 East 50th Street, Ste. 20C, Chicago, IL 60615-3161. (773) 955-1406. <http://www.cytology-iac.org>. Laura Ruth, Ph.D. KEY TERMSBiopsy—Removing tissue from living patients for a diagnostic examination. Cytology/cytopathology—The study of cells or cell types. Fine needle aspiration—Removal of tissue or suspensions of cells using a small needle. Pap smear—A common cytology test used to screen for malignant and premalignant changes of the cervix. QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
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Ruth, Laura. "Cytology." Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. Ruth, Laura. "Cytology." Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. 2002. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3405200138.html Ruth, Laura. "Cytology." Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. 2002. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3405200138.html |
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cytology
cytology (sy-tol-ŏji) n. the study of the structure and function of cells. aspiration c. the aspiration of specimens of cells from tumours or cysts through a hollow needle, using a syringe, and their subsequent examination under the microscope after suitable preparation (by staining, etc.). cervical c. the microscopic examination of cells obtained by scraping the cervix. See cervical (smear). exfoliative c. the microscopic examination of cells that have already been shed, used in the diagnosis of various diseases. See also liquid-based cytology.
—cytological adj. |
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"cytology." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cytology." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-cytology.html "cytology." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-cytology.html |
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cytology
cytology , in biology, the study of the structure of all normal and abnormal components of cells and the changes, movements, and transformations of such components. The discipline includes cytogenics, cytochemistry, and microscopic anatomy, which involve investigations employing various microscopes, such as light, phase, interference, and electron microscopes. Cells are studied directly in the living state (phase microscopy) or are killed (fixed) and prepared for viewing (embedded, sectioned, and stained) on light or electron microscopes. |
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"cytology." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cytology." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cytology.html "cytology." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cytology.html |
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cytology
cy·tol·o·gy / sīˈtäləjē/ • n. the branch of biology concerned with the structure and function of plant and animal cells. DERIVATIVES: cy·to·log·i·cal / ˌsītlˈäjikəl/ adj. cy·to·log·i·cal·ly / ˌsītlˈäjik(ə)lē/ adv. cy·tol·o·gist / -jist/ n. |
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"cytology." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cytology." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cytology.html "cytology." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cytology.html |
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cytology
cytology Study of living cells and their structure, behaviour and function. Cytology began with English physicist Robert Hooke's microscopic studies of cork in 1665, and the microscope is still the main tool. In the 19th century, a theory was developed which suggested that cells are the basic units of organisms. Recently cytochemistry has focused on the study of the chemistry of cell components.
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"cytology." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cytology." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-cytology.html "cytology." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-cytology.html |
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cytology
cytology The study of the structure and function of cells. The development of the light and electron microscopes has enabled the detailed structure of the nucleus (including the chromosomes) and other organelles to be elucidated. Microscopic examination of cells, either live or as stained sections on a slide, is also used in the detection and diagnosis of various diseases, especially cancer.
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"cytology." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cytology." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cytology.html "cytology." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-cytology.html |
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cytology
cytology The scientific study of the cell, including its structure and function.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-cytology.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-cytology.html |
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cytology
cytology The study of the structure, function, and life history of the cell.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cytology.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cytology." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cytology.html |
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