What is the primary focus of exfoliative cytology?

The primary focus of exfoliative cytology is to study cells that have been shed from body surfaces. This technique involves collecting and examining cells that are naturally discarded from various tissues, such as the skin, respiratory tract, and cervix. By analyzing these exfoliated cells, medical professionals can identify abnormalities and diagnose various conditions, including infections, inflammation, and cancer.

This method is particularly valuable because it is minimally invasive and can provide critical information about the health of organs and systems without requiring surgical intervention. The evaluation of these cells under a microscope enables pathologists to observe cellular characteristics that may indicate disease processes, making exfoliative cytology an essential tool in diagnostic medicine.