Cytopathology
The microscopic examination of cells and groups of cells is used in 2 main areas in healthcare.
The first is for assessment and diagnosis of people who have signs and symptoms of disease. This is known as Diagnostic Cytopathology and examples include assessment of nodules and lumps in the thyroid, salivary glands and lymph nodes where a thin needle is used to extract small amounts of material which are placed on a slide or in fluid and examined for abnormalities, whether cancerous or non-cancerous.
This also allows, at the time of aspiration in the clinic, for immediate assessment (rapid onsite evaluation – ROSE) of the material to confirm that enough of the right material has been obtained, to avoid the patient having to make a repeat visit. In the sites mentioned above, this way of sampling (fine needle aspiration or FNA) is the “first line” pathological investigation. Diagnostic Cytopathology also includes examination of specimens which are “naturally” fluids such as urine and pleural effusions.
The second area is Cervical Cytology, used in the cervical screening programme (CSP). Cervical samples that test positive for high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) will have a slide made and this will be examined by a trained screener for the presence of cell changes that suggest an increased risk of developing cervical cancer, so that appropriate preventative treatment can be carried out.
Both make a major contribution to healthcare and public health in the UK and the rest of the world.
On this page you'll find a hub of resources for those working in cytopathology, including links to our cancer datasets and tissue pathways and upcoming College and CPD-accredited events.
Upcoming events in cellular pathology
International Pathology Day 2025 - Virtual Event
5 November 2025
