Abstract
The fact that the human body is composed of cells was demonstrated by Dr. Hooke in 1665, and modern cytology was initiated by Dr. Papanicolaou in 1928. In 1943, Papanicolaou published “Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer by Vaginal Cytology,” which is the basis of current cytodiagnostics. There are several types of materials used in cytological diagnosis, each with different methods of specimen preparation and determination. The advantages of some specimen collection methods are that they are less invasive to the body and provide quick determination results. However, correct results cannot be obtained unless the specimen is prepared correctly. In recent years, various methods have been developed with the advancement of imaging tests, the spread of genetic testing, and the spread of artificial intelligence (AI). Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has become widespread, especially in gynecology. It has also become possible to test for human papillomavirus (HPV), which is closely related to cervical cancer, using the same materials. An automated screening system based on a database of morphological characteristics of atypical/tumor cells has also been developed.