National Institute Of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH)

1. Overview of the Department
Cytopathology is a branch of pathology that focuses on studying and diagnosing diseases at the cellular level. The Department of Cytopathology plays a crucial role in investigating diseases across various body sites. It aids in the diagnosis of cancers, certain infections, and inflammatory conditions, as well as in screening for precancerous conditions.

History & Establishment:
Professor Dr. Naher, the former head of the Department of Pathology proposed the establishment of a dedicated Cytopathology Department. She believed that Bangladesh, with its large population, faced significant challenges in medical diagnosis. Recognizing the inadequacy of diagnostic services, the need for more accessible healthcare and the importance of rapid diagnosis, she proposed dividing the Pathology Department into three distinct sections—Histopathology, Cytopathology and Laboratory Medicine. This restructuring would not only enhance diagnostic efficiency but also create additional positions for doctors, technologists and support staff. Furthermore, she envisioned that over time these three sections would evolve into specialized subspecialties, further advancing the scope and effectiveness of diagnostic services. Later the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare officially established Cytopathology as a separate department within NICRH in 2008. Cytopathology primarily examines free cells in contrast to Histopathology, which focuses on whole tissue analysis. It is often referred to simply as cytology, meaning "the study of cells." Cytopathologic tests are sometimes called smear tests because samples are often spread onto a glass slide for staining and microscopic examination.

Service Name: Normal FNAC

Description: A minimally invasive diagnostic procedure where a thin, hollow needle is used to extract cellular material from a lump or mass for microscopic examination. It helps in diagnosing conditions such as infections, benign tumors, and malignancies.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: USG Guided FNAC
Description: A diagnostic procedure where a fine needle is inserted into a suspicious lump or mass under real-time ultrasound guidance to ensure precise sampling. This technique is particularly useful for deep-seated or small lesions in organs such as the thyroid, lymph nodes, and breast.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: CT Guided FNAC
Description: CT-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of computed tomography (CT) imaging and a fine needle to obtain tissue or cell samples from abnormal growths or masses within the body. The procedure is commonly performed when other imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, are not suitable for visualizing certain areas of the body, especially in deeper or complex anatomical regions.
Availability (Days/Hours): Subject to vacant schedule /slot of radiology department
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): Yes

Service Name: Slide Review
Description: A detailed re-evaluation of previously prepared Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) slides by a cytopathologist to confirm the diagnosis, provide a second opinion, or assess the adequacy of the sample for accurate interpretation.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Cervical Smears CYTOLOGY
Description: A screening test used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix, helping in the early diagnosis of cervical cancer and precancerous conditions. The procedure involves collecting a small sample of cervical cells using a brush or spatula, which is then examined under a microscope for any cellular abnormalities.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Vault Smears
Description: A cytological test performed on women who have undergone a hysterectomy to screen for abnormal or malignant cells in the vaginal vault (the upper portion of the vagina). It is primarily used for follow-up in cases of cervical or endometrial cancer to detect any recurrence or residual disease.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Ascitic Fluid
Description: A diagnostic procedure where a sample of fluid from the peritoneal cavity (ascitic fluid) is collected, typically through paracentesis, to examine for the presence of abnormal cells. This test helps diagnose conditions such as infections, malignancies (like liver or ovarian cancer), and liver cirrhosis by analyzing the fluid for cell count, protein levels, and any malignant cells.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Peritoneal Fluid
Description: A diagnostic procedure where a sample of fluid from the peritoneal cavity is collected, usually via paracentesis, to examine for abnormal cells or infection. It helps in diagnosing conditions like peritonitis, cancer (such as ovarian or gastrointestinal), and liver disease by analyzing the fluid's cellular composition and the presence of malignant cells or other abnormalities.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Peritoneal wash
Description: A peritoneal wash, also known as a peritoneal lavage, is a medical procedure used to collect a sample of fluid from the peritoneal cavity, which is the space that surrounds the abdominal organs. This procedure is often performed for diagnostic purposes, such as to evaluate the presence of infection, cancer, or other diseases within the abdomen.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Nipple Discharge
Description: A diagnostic test where a sample is collected from abnormal nipple discharge to examine for the presence of cancerous or benign cells. This test helps in diagnosing conditions like ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), infections, or benign breast disorders such as intraductal papilloma. The sample is analyzed under a microscope to detect cellular abnormalities or malignancy.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Urine cytology
Description: A diagnostic test where a urine sample is examined under a microscope to detect abnormal cells, which may indicate infections, inflammation, or cancers of the urinary tract, including bladder, kidney, or urethra. It is often used for detecting bladder cancer or monitoring patients with a history of urothelial carcinoma.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Service Name: Pus cytology
Description: A diagnostic test where a sample of pus, typically collected from an abscess or infected area, is examined under a microscope to identify the type of infection and detect the presence of abnormal or malignant cells. This test helps in determining the cause of the infection (e.g., bacterial, fungal) and assessing the need for targeted treatments.
Availability (Days/Hours): Daily
Appointment Required? (Yes/No): No

Vision

To be a center of excellence in cytopathology, providing accurate, timely, and innovative diagnostic services that improve patient outcomes and advance the field of pathology.

Mission

To deliver high-quality, reliable and efficient cytological diagnoses that aid in the early detection and management of diseases, particularly cancer.
To promote research and continuous education in cytopathology for the advancement of scientific knowledge and improved diagnostic techniques.
To collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and treatment strategies.
To maintain the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and quality in laboratory services.

Publications of Dr. Nazneen Naher Aymon, Associate Professor & Head

1. Evaluation of CDX2 expression and correlation with histopathological grading of Colorectal Carcinoma