Q. Which cytology tests are used to look for cancer?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

A broad array of cytology tests exist to look for the presence of cancer, including Pap smears (or Pap tests), thin-layer cytological preparations, and exfoliative analyses.

The most commonly used type of cytology test is a Pap smear or an "Asclepian" test. This procedure involves collecting cells from the cervix with a special instrument called a curette and examining them microscopically for any signs of malignancy. Atypical cells can indicate that further testing may be necessary to diagnose cancer more precisely. In some cases, colposcopy may be recommended if suspicious areas are found on the cervix during the pap smear test.

Thin layer cytology is another common method used to evaluate possible precancerous or canceous lesions in various organs, such as the gallbladder, bladder, lungs and lymph nodes. This involves collecting small samples of tissue with a needle or brush that are spread on slides and examined under microscope for changes in cell size or shape which may signal a problem such as cancer formation.

Exfoliative analysis is also employed at times when initial screening suggests possible cancer formation but microscopic examination needs to be complemented by biochemical studies such as immunohistochemistry staining; this allows researchers to better evaluate cellular components within tissues associated with disease processes like malignant tumors (for example). Once again samples are taken from suspected tumor sites using fine needles before being subjected to further investigation via different chemical stains designed specifically to detect certain kind of cancers based on markers present in each sample material".  Overall these procedures can provide invaluable insight into potential early stages of disease progression helping clinicians make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans early before more serious health issues arise down line later on perhaps in near future .

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