What limitation does cytology have?

Cytology is a valuable diagnostic tool, particularly in the evaluation of tumors. However, one of its notable limitations is that it may not provide information on tumor invasion. In cytology, samples are typically obtained through fine needle aspiration or other non-invasive methods, and they mainly reveal cellular characteristics and morphology. While these methods excel at identifying the presence of abnormal or cancerous cells, they often lack the architectural context necessary to determine whether a tumor has invaded surrounding tissues.

Understanding the extent of tumor invasion is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis. Histopathology, which involves examining tissue samples, can provide deeper insights into the tumor's relationship with surrounding structures and whether it has metastasized. Therefore, while cytology can effectively indicate the type of cells present, it falls short in assessing the invasive nature of tumors, making this limitation significant in clinical practice.