Journal list menu
About This Journal
Cancer Cytopathology, a journal of the American Cancer Society, publishes original research and other articles of interest to cytopathology, cytology, and pathology professionals as it relates to topics concerning the etiology of cancer, and its diagnosis and prevention. The journal maintains an international scope and is considered the elite journal in the field of cytopathology.
Highlighted Papers
Message From the Editor-in-Chief
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, with a current total of 50.1 million cases of COVID‐19 worldwide and greater than 1.25 million deaths related to the disease. Hospitals have struggled to respond to the needs of their communities, with the pandemic's impact being felt in nearly all areas, including cytopathology laboratories.
The Latest CytoVideo
The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC)
In this video, Dr. Bill Faquin discusses two salivary gland fine needle aspiration biopsies and how to report them according to the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology. Learn more about the Milan System in this recent commentary.
CytoSource
Breaking free of the research silo: A growing case for multidisciplinary work
Bryn Nelson
View past CytoSource articles here.
Cancer Cytopathology Complimentary
Enjoy a free-to-read article from the latest issue of Cancer Cytopathology.
Cytopathology of solid pancreatic neoplasms: An algorithmic approach to diagnosis
Articles
Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) of image‐guided FNA specimens improves subsequent core biopsy adequacy in clinical trial patients: The impact of preanalytical factors and its correlation with survival
-  28 September 2023
Abstract
The role of rapid on-site evaluation in trial-associated fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies was evaluated, and predictors of adequacy and cumulative survival were analyzed from in-house FNA clinical trial cases. Ultrasound-guided modalities are recommended for obtaining adequate FNA sampling in clinical trials, and a slightly elevated body mass index (range, 25–34 kg/m2) in patients with cancer was correlated with increased overall survival.
Risk of malignancy in renal biopsy: A review
-  25 September 2023
Abstract
In renal biopsy specimens, the risks of malignancy for cytologic categories are different than the risks of malignancy in most other sites, mostly because of the very high underlying malignancy rate, and there are obvious areas in which cytopathologists can do better at classifying these cases. The routine use of immunohistochemistry and core-needle biopsy may improve the accuracy of the classification of these specimens.
HPV persistence after cervical surgical excision of high‐grade cervical lesions
-  25 September 2023
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Attempts are needed to better categorize patients with HPV in order to provide useful information for prognosticating and appropriately tailoring surveillance.
The Pap test and Bethesda 2014
-  271-281
-  1 May 2015
Abstract
The history of “The Bethesda System” for reporting cervical cytology goes back almost 3 decades. This terminology and the process that created it have had a profound impact on the practice of cervical cytology for laboratorians and clinicians alike. Herein, we summarize the process and rationale by which updates were made to the terminology in 2014 and outline the contents of the new, third edition of the Bethesda atlas and corresponding website.
Long‐term assessment of a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid nodule diagnostic evaluation
-  508-516
-  12 November 2007
Abstract
A more detailed classification of inconclusive aspirates in conjunction with ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration resulted in improved preoperative detection of thyroid cancer, supporting adherence to recently published guidelines.
The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology: Analysis and suggestions of initial survey
-  757-766
-  14 July 2017
Abstract
An international panel of experts in the field of salivary gland cytology (SGC), supported by the American Society of Cytopathology and the International Academy of Cytology, conducted a survey to seek evidence and practice patterns regarding SGC. The results of the survey were used to provide focus for the proposed Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology, and demonstrated strong support for the development of a unified system for reporting SGC.
Benign‐appearing urothelial tissue fragments in noninstrumented voided urine specimens are associated with low rates of urothelial neoplasia
- Cancer Cytopathology
-  180-185
-  13 January 2015
Abstract
The presence of urothelial tissue fragments in voided urine specimens is believed to be associated with an increased risk of urothelial neoplasia, although to the authors' knowledge only a few studies have investigated this association over the last several decades. The current retrospective analysis of 274 voided, noninstrumented urine specimens demonstrates only a small, statistically insignificant increased risk of low-grade urothelial neoplasia when benign-appearing urothelial tissue fragments are present.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of articular and periarticular lesions
- Cancer Cytopathology
-  157-165
-  10 June 2002
Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) offers an alternative to exfoliative cytology for the diagnosis of articular and periarticular pathologic processes. Lesions like rheumatoid, gout, ganglia, pigmented villonodular synovitis, synovial chondromatosis, and synovial sarcoma can be diagnosed reliably with FNA provided that the aspiration cytopathologist is familiar the cytologic and radiologic appearance of FNA and understands the potential pitfalls that arise when interpreting mesenchymal lesions.
Using the Model for Improvement and Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act to effect SMART change and advance quality
- Cancer Cytopathology
-  9-14
-  4 August 2020

Core‐needle biopsy of breast cancer is associated with a higher rate of distant metastases 5 to 15 years after diagnosis than FNA biopsy
- Cancer Cytopathology
-  748-756
-  24 August 2017
Abstract
Core-needle and fine-needle biopsies are compared in breast cancer diagnostic procedures. Core-needle biopsies are associated with a significantly increased rate of distant metastases in this 15-year follow-up study.
See also pages 745-7.
Determinants of human papillomavirus-negative, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions triage study (ALTS)
- Cancer Cytopathology
-  253-262
-  3 October 2005
Abstract
A retrospective evaluation of women with human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative low-grade squamous epithelial lesions (LSIL) in the Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)/LSIL Triage Study population found no evidence to support HPV-negative LSIL as a distinct entity related to risk for the development of cervical carcinoma. HPV-negative LSIL appeared to represent either cytologic misinterpretations or falsely negative HPV tests.