The Cytology is a science that according to its etymology ("Cito": from the Greek meaning cell) studies everything related to the cellular behavior of living things, especially humans, since it is us who have developed more functions, applications and challenges. Regarding history, we can evidence an absence of these foundations, not until the invention of the microscope, since the creation of this device represented the evolution of the study of cells, although it is clear that previously, medicine had touched the field of cell study.
Cytology is an experimental science, of behavioral observation, from a microscopic point of view, however, with macroscopic projections, since the alterations that can be raised at the cellular level directly affect the reactions and stimuli of the body in general. This science is dedicated to the realization of cures for large-scale diseases, such as HIV, cancer, Tuberculosis, venereal or viral diseases, where the strain of a bacterium can affect a considerable population mass.
Considered by many specialists one of the main bases of modern biology, cytology comprises a wide field of study, in which the unit of measurement is the Micrometer, a unit in which they are visible, through the use of staining and separation techniques., the small cells that may contain portions of tissue extracted from the area in question, through cutting, scraping and extraction processes. Thanks to cytology, laboratory tests have been developed in which possible diseases caused by viruses are ruled out.
The name of Cytology is also given to these tests, among which the " Papanicolaou " stands out, it is a study that with a scraping of the affected area serves to determine the presence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a highly contagious venereal disease in which the patient presents pathologies, both internal and external, but which is detected by observing warts and lacerations on the skin, specifically in the genital area. In other types of diseases with organs with carcinomas, the study focuses on finding the level of disease and isolating or stopping the expansion of these.
What does cytology study
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Cytology, also called cell biology, is a branch of biology that is responsible for the study of the structures of cells, their functions and their importance in the complexity of living beings.
Since the invention of the microscope, man was able to observe cell structures never seen before. With the use of cytochemical techniques and the electron microscope, a more detailed study of these structures was possible.
Cytology focuses on the study, understanding and functioning of cellular systems, how these cells are regulated and understanding the functioning of their structures.
Undergoing a cytological examination for the first time, the woman poses many unknowns, one of them is if the cytology hurts, the specialists point out that it is a simple procedure, only that it can be uncomfortable and annoying, but not painful, the patient feels as a pinch that sometimes causes a small bleeding, however, in case of severe pain, the gynecologist should be reported immediately.
Types of Cytology
Hematic cytology
Once dry, the blood smear (a drop of blood spread on a coverslip to be observed by a microscope) is subjected to a fixation and staining process using appropriate stains. The most commonly used stains for the hematological staining process are those based on Wright, since with this it is possible to obtain more information with a well-stained blood smear.
The objective of this process is to distinguish the morphological aspects of the cells among them: the shape, the contour and the dimension of the red blood cells (they must be pale pink in color), platelets (small corpuscles) and leukocytes (nucleated cells). After staining, the morphology of the blood cells begins to be observed as well as the amount of white cells, which must be found in the range of normal values.
Fecal mucus cytology
The fecal mucus is observed microscopically using methylene blue to observe the cells of the sample and the possible presence of parasites. When stool is in normal condition, it usually does not contain epithelial cells, erythrocytes, and leukocytes. When epithelial cells are present they are symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation.
Nasal cytology
Also called exfoliative cytology, its objective is to identify the cells of the body detached from the epithelia, which are lining the cavities. With this anthology, the cells present in the nasal exudate can be identified and infectious rhinitis can be distinguished from allergic rhinitis and inflammatory retinopathies can be differentiated from non-inflammatory ones.
Pap smear or cervical smear
It is a test performed on women to study the cells that make up the cervix. Therefore, cervical cytology is a procedure that consists of the introduction of a brush and a spatula in order to make a very gentle scraping on the cervix. With this test it is possible to detect malignant or premalignant lesions or uterine cancer, vaginal infection, and thus be able to apply a treatment to attack the disease as soon as possible.
Cytology During Pregnancy
In general, this is performed during the first trimester of pregnancy, this if the woman does not have a recent cytology performed before pregnancy, at least one year and with normal conditions, it is not necessary to repeat the test. It is important for the woman to undergo a cytology during pregnancy, since during it it is possible for normal cells to change and if there is an infection it should be treated during this period to minimize damage to the fetus as much as possible.
During this test, samples of cells are removed from the cervix in order to determine cervical and uterine cancer. Likewise, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, human papillomavirus and gonorrhea can be detected.
Why is cytology done
The primary importance of performing a cytology annually is that, through this examination, the woman can know if everything is fine in her body, or if on the contrary there is a problem to be able to detect it and attack it in time. During this test, samples of cells are removed from the cervix in order to determine cervical and uterine cancer. Likewise, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, human papillomavirus and gonorrhea can be detected.
Vaginal health is very important, more than some women can imagine, there are many diseases that are linked to the female reproductive organ, these are not asymptomatic and cannot be detected at first sight, so it is necessary to practice more specific tests Among them is cervical cytology also known as vaginal cytology.
