Cytodiagnosis

/ˌsaɪtoʊdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

The diagnosis of disease by examining cells taken from the patient's body under a microscope.

Etymology

Greek 'kytos' (cell), 'dia' (through), and 'gnosis' (knowledge). Developed in early-to-mid 1900s as microscopy improved and doctors realized they could identify cancer and other diseases by studying individual cells.

Kelly Says

Cytodiagnosis is the foundation of the famous Pap smear test that has saved millions of lives by catching cervical cancer early. It's a perfect example of how a technical scientific term represents a real medical breakthrough that changed what it means to prevent disease.

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