For Parents

Health Encyclopedia
Staying Healthy
Health Encyclopedia

Cytologic evaluation

Pleural biopsy
Pleural biopsy

Definition

  

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:


Alternative Names

  
Cell evaluation; Cytology

Information

  


 
Review Date: 8/28/2007
Reviewd By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Rate this article:
1 Excellent - 4 Poor
Send a Comment:
Type the characters you see in the picture
CAPTCHA code image
Speak the codeChange the code