Cytology

Term: CytologyDefinition: Cytology is the study of cells, their structure, function, and pathology, often used to detect and diagnose diseases such as cancer.Phonetic Pronunciation: (sy-TOL-uh-jee)Origin: The term 'cytology' originates from the Greek words 'kytos,' meaning 'cell,' and 'logos,' meaning 'study.' It reflects the scientific focus on cellular examination that began in the 19th century as microscopy improved.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos-related diseases, cytology is crucial for the early detection of conditions like mesothelioma through the examination of cellular samples from pleural effusions or other body fluids. This can help in diagnosing and managing asbestos-related illnesses more effectively.Example Sentence: The cytology report confirmed the presence of malignant cells in the pleural fluid, indicative of asbestos-related mesothelioma.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Pleural Effusion, Biopsy, Pathology, HistologyNotes: - Cytology can be confused with histology, which is the study of tissues rather than individual cells. - Early detection through cytology can significantly impact the prognosis of asbestos-related diseases.