Exfoliative Cytology – a Predictive Diagnostic Tool

Oral mucosa undergoes continuous rapid turnover and this result in exfoliation of cells. These cells play a vital role in pre-diagnostic assays as they reflect the systemic conditions which induce cyto-morphological and nucleo-morphological variations in the cell. Though it was initially used for diagnosis of potentially malignant disorders and other malignancies, its use has extended to diagnose hormonal activities, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes and many more systemic disorders. They are usually directly stained and visualized under a light microscope. However molecular analysis, DNA analysis and other immune histochemical studies are also performed using this technique. Its rapidity, simplicity and specificity makes it a test of high diagnostic value. This review discusses the concepts, historical aspects and recent advancements of exfoliative cytology and its use in clinical scenario.