What is cervical cytopathology?

Cervical Cytology: The study of cells taken from the cervix using a microscope. Also called a Pap test. Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina. Colposcopy: Viewing of the cervix, vulva, or vagina under magnification with an instrument called a colposcope.

How is cervical cytology test done?

The cells are taken with a wooden or plastic scraper and/or a cervical brush and placed in a vial of liquid preservative. The slide or vial is then sent to a laboratory where the cells are tested for the presence of high-risk types of HPV and/or examined under a microscope with a liquid-based Pap cytology test.

Can cytology detect cervical cancer?

Cervical cytology is well established as a screening test to detect pre-invasive cervical lesions (high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), but has rarely been explored as a test to detect cervical cancer.

Is a Pap smear a cytopathology test?

Cytopathology is a diagnostic technique that examines cells from various body sites to determine the cause or the nature of disease. The first cytopathology test developed was the Pap test, which has been widely utilized in the last 50 years for screening and diagnosing of cervical cancer and its precursors.

How long does a cytology test take?

Some routine cytology screenings could take as little as 1 to 2 days to get your results while other tests could take 1 to 2 weeks. Factors that affect how long it takes to get cytology test results include: The need to look at more tissue or cells. Special stains or tests.

What is the meaning of cytopathology?

Definition of cytopathology 1 : a branch of pathology that deals with manifestations of disease at the cellular level.

Is cytology the same as Pap smear?

One type of Pap test is ‘conventional cytology’ and another is ‘liquid‐based cytology’. Depending on the test, if it is positive a woman may need to have the cervix examined or could receive surgery to have the precancerous lesion removed.