Cytopathology is the science of examining individual cells via a microscope for the presence of abnormalities – as opposed to histopathology which examines cells grouped together as tissues or organs.

Cytopathology is most commonly used for diagnosis of early cervical cancer in women (the so-called "Pap smear"). (TissuPath does not provide this service, and refers those Pap smears which we receive to the Victorian Cytopathology Services.

However, analysis of cells in specimens from many other sites, including breast and thyroid, may indicate the presence of cancer. These specimens are usually obtained by aspirating the suspect abnormality (usually a small mass or lump) with a thin needle (so-called Fine Needle Aspiration, or FNA), a procedure done by your GP, specialist physician, surgeon or a radiographer. 

TissuPath pathologists are expert in interpretation of cytopathology.