Cytologic evaluation

Cell evaluation; Cytology

Definition

Cytologic evaluation is the analysis of cells from the body under a microscope. This is done to determine what the cells look like, and how they form and function. Special stains, including antibodies, can be applied to these cells to learn more about changes going on inside them.

The test is usually used to look for cancers and precancerous changes in certain body organs. It may also be used to look for viral infections in cells. The test differs from a biopsy because only cells are examined, not pieces of tissue.

The Pap smear is a common cytologic evaluation that looks at cells from the cervix. Some other examples include:

References

Aster JC, Abbas AK, Kumar V, Debnath J, Das A. Neoplasia. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins, Cotran & Kumar Pathologic Basis of Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 7.

Vergani PV. How do pathologists help patient care? In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2025:chap 12.

Schedule An Appointment

Review Date: 7/3/2025

Reviewed By: Robert Hurd , MD, Professor of Endocrinology and Health Care Ethics, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Fire Fox and Google Chrome browser.