How is the grading of tumors assessed in cytology?

The correct approach to grading tumors in cytology is through assessing the degree of differentiation and cellular atypia. This process involves evaluating how much the tumor cells differ from normal cells in both structure and function. Differentiation refers to the extent to which the tumor cells resemble normal cells of the tissue they originate from. Well-differentiated tumors look and function more like normal cells, while poorly differentiated tumors show significant abnormalities and deviate from typical cellular architecture and function.

Cellular atypia refers to abnormal features in the cells, such as variations in size, shape, and organization, which can indicate malignancy. The degree of atypia helps in determining the aggressiveness of the tumor and its potential for growth and metastasis.

By focusing on these characteristics, cytologists can classify tumors more accurately and provide essential information for treatment decisions and prognoses. The other choices, while relevant to broader medical assessments, do not directly pertain to the specific criteria traditionally used for tumor grading in cytology.