Cytopathology
Cytopathology is a boarded sub-specialty of Anatomic Pathology. Broadly defined it is a diagnostic discipline that requires application of distinct and discrete sets of criteria for evaluation of patient samples from diverse anatomic locations. Specific diagnostic criteria are required because the unifying theme of cytology samples is the fact that cells are dispersed and therefore present outside the context of tissue architecture. That is to say, cells are either smeared onto a slide (conventional Pap test; brushings from airway, bile duct, etc.; fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy material) or suspended in a liquid medium and processed by varying techniques as appropriate (e.g. Liquid-based Pap test; CSF; effusion fluids; FNA material).
Although the primary function of a cytopathologist is to appropriately apply cytopathologic criteria to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, it is also necessary to understand specimen procurement and specimen processing. It is essential for the cytopathologist to appreciate when a diagnosis cannot and should not be preferred; to appreciate the importance of clinical history in the formulation of Differential Diagnoses ; and to appreciate the impact of a cytologic diagnosis on patient management. We offer a complete range of services including Gynecologic and Non-Gynecologic Cytology, FNA biopsy interpretation, adequacy assessment and performance, and Consultation. We are always available to discuss test requests and results with submitting physicians.
