Pathology Associates of Princeton

Cytology

The study of cells, including their formation, origin, structure, function, biochemical activities, and pathologic characteristics. The cells may be obtained by a variety of techniques including  aspiration, scraping, and collection of various body fluids.  

The above cells are normal thyroid cells, obtained by placing a needle into the thyroid gland in the neck, and aspirating the cells into the syringe. The cells are then placed onto a glass slide, stained, and viewed under the microscope.

The pathologists at Pathology Associates of Princeton are particularly skilled at interpreting samples taken from the thyroid gland. Over the last 10 years, we have interpreted the cells from over 4000 thyroid glands.

 These cells are abnormal. They are taken from a Papillary Carcinoma of the Thyroid. Note that the cells show overlapping of the nuclei, some nuclear irregularities, and an occasional "hole" in the nucleus (upper left). These changes are characteristic of the cancer. The diagnosis is made by the pathologist. The clinicians will then create a treatment plan for the patient.