Background & Scope
Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that deals with the examination of cells and tissues for malignancy and other abnormalities. It involves the microscopic examination of cells from the body, generally obtained from a biopsy or from body fluids such as urine or sputum. Cytopathology is used in the diagnosis of cancer, infections, inflammatory processes, and other diseases.
Likely the most common, or at least well known, task performed by cytopathologists is reading Pap smears.
Cytopathology is an essential part of pathology and is widely used in clinical practice. It has an important role in diagnosis and management of many diseases, including cancer.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
In order to practice cytopathology, a physician must complete a residency in pathology followed by a fellowship in cytopathology.
The American Board of Pathology offers certification in cytopathology.
Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Cytopathologists use a variety of techniques to examine tissue specimens. These techniques include light microscopy, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. These techniques allow them to detect and identify abnormalities in the cells.
In addition to diagnosing diseases, cytopathology can also be used to monitor patient response to treatment, assess prognosis, detect recurrence of disease, and predict outcomes. It is an important tool in the management of many diseases, including cancer.
Cytopathology is also used to diagnose conditions such as metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Cytopathology can also be used to diagnose and treat chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and arthritis.
Related Medical Specialties
Cytopathology is related to oncology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and molecular diagnostics.
Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as the study of its causes and effects; cytopathologists use a variety of techniques to examine tissue specimens for signs of cancer and other abnormalities.
Hematologists specialize in the study of blood, including its components, functions, diseases, and disorders; cytopathologists use a variety of techniques to examine blood samples for signs of disease or abnormalities.
Immunologists specialize in the study of the immune system and its disorders; Cytopathologists use immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to identify changes in cells that are associated with diseases or conditions.
Clinical chemists specialize in the analysis of bodily fluids for diagnostic purposes; cytopathologists use laboratory tests to detect changes in cells associated with diseases or conditions.
Molecular diagnosticians specialize in the use of molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing to detect genetic alterations associated with diseases or conditions; cytopathologists use molecular diagnostics to diagnose diseases such as cancer and other genetic disorders.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Cytopathology
Medical-legal cases in cytopathology typically involves allegations of missed diagnosis or failure to diagnose. Many involve Pap smears or bronchoscopy scrapings.