Cytology

Cytology is often used to diagnose growths or masses (tumours) found on the surface of the body, assess bodily fluids, internal organs (liver, lung, lymph nodes, kidney), and abnormal fluids accumulating in the chest and abdomen.

What: It is directly performed on the mass where a needle is inserted into the tissue and the plunger of syringe is pulled back to create suction that withdraws or aspirate cells from unwanted tissue.

When: Non-invasive technique is used for preliminary evaluating a working diagnosis and a plan for surgery. It can be used during surgery to assess tumour.

How: Techniques like skin scraping, impression smear, cotton tipped swabs, lavage can be used to collect sample.

Why: It helps veterinarians in deciding a surgical plan for tumour/mass removal.