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Cytologic evaluation

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Cell evaluation

Cytology

Cytologic evaluation is the analysis of cells from the body under a microscope. This is done to determine what the cells look like, and how they form and function.

The test is usually used to look for cancers and precancerous changes. It may also be used to look for viral infections in cells. The test differs from a biopsy because only cells are examined, not pieces of tissue.

Biopsy

A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

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The Pap smear is a common cytologic evaluation that looks at cells from the cervix. Some other examples include:

Pap smear

The Pap test mainly checks for changes that may turn into cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microsc...

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Cytology exam of fluid from the membrane around the lungs (pleural fluid)
Cytology exam of fluid from the membran...
A cytology exam of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancer cells and certain other cells in the fluid from the area that surrounds the lu...
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Cytology exam of urine
Cytology exam of urine
A cytology exam of urine is a test used to detect cancer and other diseases of the urinary tract.
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Cytology exam of saliva mixed with mucus and other matter that is coughed up (sputum)

Review Date: 9/18/2023

Reviewed By

Anna C. Edens Hurst, MD, MS, Associate Professor in Medical Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

References

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Neoplasia. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.

Weidmann JE, Keebler CM, Facik MS. Cytopreparatory techniques. In: Bibbo M, Wilbur DC, eds. Comprehensive Cytopathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 33.

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