Non-gynaecological Cytology
Respiratory tract cytology
Anatomy and histology of the respiratory tract
Indications of respiratory tract cytology
Cell sampling and preparation methods
Reporting terminology
Normal cells
Non-cellular elements and specimen contaminants
Benign cellular changes
Inflammation
Respiratory infections
Benign lesions
Preneoplastic changes of respiratory epithelium
Lung cancer and other malignant tumours

Cell sampling and preparation methods

Respiratory cytomorphology is heavily dependent on specimen type and preparation. Cell sampling and preparation methods are crucial for a correct cytologic interpretation.

In the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules, bronchoscopic methods are usually the first approach for central lesions; if negative, fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology can be performed. FNA cytology is particularly useful for peripheral lesions.

•Sputum

•Bronchial material

•Transbronchial fine needle aspiration

•Transthoracic fine needle aspiration

Liquid based cytology  (LBC), which has been extensively implemented in the cervical screening program, is only used in selected areas of respiratory cytology because of its costs and less standardised criteria in mucus-rich samples.

 

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