Cytopathology

Cytopathology is the examination of cells from the body under the microscope to identify the signs and characteristics of disease. Cytopathology is often loosely called "cytology," a word that simply means the study of cells.

A cytopathology report tells us whether the cells studied contain signs of disease. Cells examined for cytopathology can come from fluids extracted from body cavities - e.g. urine, sputum (spit), or fluids accumulating inside the chest or abdomen. Cells can also be extracted by inserting needles into lumps or diseased areas or tissues - called fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).