Abstract
Cytology is used effectively in many units worldwide but is not considered mainstream cytological practice. One significant advantage of skin cytology over biopsy is the rapidity with which an accurate diagnosis can be made and treatment given immediately, avoiding a return visit for the patient. The main diagnoses are basal cell carcinoma and its mimics, but many skin conditions can be recognised on skin scrape. These are described in detail in this chapter.
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Useful Resources and Suggested Reading
Bakis S, Irwig L, Wood G, Wong D. Exfoliative cytology as a diagnostic test for basal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol. 2004;150:829–36.
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Sheaff, M.T., Singh, N. (2013). Skin Cytology. In: Cytopathology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2419-1_13
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2419-1_13
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