Diagnostic Cytology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts in diagnostic cytology, based on lecture notes.

Diagnostic Cytology

The microscopic examination of cellular material for the diagnosis of disease, particularly cancer with the focus on morphologic structure of cells.

Exfoliative Cytology

Microscopic study of desquamated cells from epithelial surfaces.

Fine Needle Aspiration

A procedure by which a thin needle is inserted into an area of abnormal appearing tissue to create diagnosis.

Bite Biopsy

The removal of small pieces of tumors using special forceps.

Cutaneous Biopsy

Used for skin fragments.

Wedge Biopsy

Marginal excision.

Purposes of Exfoliative Cytology

Detection of malignancy and its stage, detection of pre-cancerous cervical lesions in women, assessment of female hormonal status (sterility and endocrine disorders), determination of genetic sex, and detection of infectious agents.

Cervicovaginal smear (Pap smear)

A specimen used in cytology for gynecologic purposes, mainly for reproductive health.

CLUB (Mnemonic for specimens requiring adhesives)

C: Urinary sediment, L: Bronchial lavage/BAL, U: Concentrated sputum, B: Lavage sample from GIT

Common Fixatives Used for Cytologic Smears

95% ethyl alcohol, Carnoy's fluid, Spray fixative (Spracyte/Cytospray), 100% methanol, Carbowax

Modified Papanicolau stain

A staining method to produce a more distinct color differentiation by omitting bismarck brown from the EA 50 formula, provides optimum nuclear detail information.

Papanicolau Staining Method

A regressive staining method for cytologic specimens involving hydration, Harris's hematoxylin staining, differentiation with hydrochloric acid, blueing, dehydration, OG 6 staining, EA 50 staining, and clearing with xylene.

Superficial Cells

Most mature, polygonal squamous cells with pale, pinkish cytoplasm and dark pyknotic nuclei.

Intermediate Cells

Medium sized polyhedral or elongated cells with basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm.

Navicular Cells

Boat-shaped cells with strong tendency to fold or curl on edges; found in latter half of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and menopause.

Endometrial Cells

Small cells, slightly cylindrical with less basophilic cytoplasm, occurring in tightly packed groups of three or more; found during and 1-10 days after menstruation.

Endocervical Glandular Cells

Occurs in large groups or small sheets; cytoplasm usually stains pale blue/gray and is finely vacuolated may present with honeycomb appearance.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Normal vaginal flora, stains blue to lavender with pap's method.

Trichomonas vaginalis

Pear-shaped, blue-gray to blue-green.

Candida albicans

Budding yeast commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, patients taking contraceptives, and immunocompromised patients.

Clue cells

Epithelial Cells surrounded by Gardnerella vaginalis.

Koilocytes

Cells that show cytopathic effect of human papilloma virus; nucleus may appear like wrinkled prunes.

Estrogen

Influences desquamation of superficial cells.

Progesterone

Influences desquamation of intermediate cells.

Ferning (Arborization)

The phenomenon in which the cervical mucus exhibits a fern or palm leaf pattern on drying; associated in patients with high levels of estrogen.

Sputum

Respiratory Tract Specimens collected to exclude the possibility of malignancy or Infectious agents

Voided urine

A urine specimen, especially the 2nd voided urine (for males), used to diagnose malignancy of urothelial origin.

Body Cavity Effusions

Include pleural fluid, ascitic/abdominal fluid, peritoneal washings, pericardial fluid, CSF, used to evaluate patients with known history of cancer.