MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cytologic evaluation

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Cytologic evaluation

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Pleural biopsy

Alternative Names Return to top

Cell evaluation; Cytology

Definition Return to top

Cytologic evaluation is the analysis of cells under a microscope. This is done to determine what the cells look like, where they came from, and how they form and function.

The test is often used to look for cancers and precancerous changes. It may also be used to look for viral infections in cells.

The Pap smear is a common cytologic evaluation. Some other examples include:

Update Date: 8/28/2007

Updated by: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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