Advances in Cytology and Small Biopsies

Course Overview

The scope of cytopathology practice has grown increasingly complex in recent years with, for example, exposure to specimen types not previously sampled using cytologic methods, and the introduction of new techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. Larger needles used in these procedures are procuring small tissue biopsies that provide material for advanced ancillary studies that are now under the purview of the diagnostic cytopathologist. "Advances in Cytology and Small Biopsies" will provide pathologists and cytotechnologists with a comprehensive overview of and update on diagnostic pathology utilizing a combination of cytology and small biopsy specimens. The emphasis will be on the role of the cytopathologist as a multifaceted pathologist combining light microscopic criteria with ancillary testing, including immunocytochemistry, biochemical testing, and genetic analysis as they apply to diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. Advances in automation and standardized terminology reporting will also be presented. The lecture format of our course is supplemented by question and answer sessions. The session of each day will be an educational case-based presentation on “mistakes made and lessons learned” focusing on quality assurance issues related to all aspects of cytopathology. A syllabus of the talks will be provided in an electronic format.  

The last edition of the course in 2023 was a significant update to the 30-year history of this course with HMS, including adding an emphasis on small tissue samples. With the widespread adoption of virtual meetings, we are taking this opportunity to continue virtual distribution format. The advantage of the livestream format will allow us to greatly expand the registration capacity. We will be using faculty from the three major Harvard teaching hospitals - Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mass General Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and bring in a world renowned expert - Dr. Chris VandenBusche - to discuss urinary cytopathology and changes to the most widely adopted reporting system for urinary cytopathology that was updated earlier this year. We will focus on the role of the cytopathologist in diagnosis using minimally invasive techniques and presenting updates on their role in utilizing ancillary testing for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy for optimal patient care. Finally, we are updating the standardized reporting with a brief review of the new WHO Reporting Systems for Cytology and our “mistakes made and lessons learned” symposium with digitized virtual glass slides that will be available to registrants in advance of the course. Registrants will be able to submit their diagnosis prior to the case presentation at the meeting where their submissions will drive the discussion and teaching points. 

Who Should Attend

• Specialty Physicians
• Primary Care Physicians
• Cytotechnologists 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the full range of diagnostic approaches to cytological and small tissue samples from all body sites. 
• Evaluate current and potential applications of automated screening, liquid-based preparation methods, flow cytometry, and molecular testing. 
• Assess the impact of new technologies on cytology practice. 
• Apply current standards for the evaluation and work-up of cytology and small tissue samples for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy.
• Summarize the new standardized terminology and reporting systems for gynecological, pancreaticobiliary, thyroid, salivary gland, and urinary cytological specimens. 
• Identify diagnostic pitfalls and how to avoid them.