Cutaneous Cytology and Tzanck Smear Test

Book excerpt: Sampling and staining of specimens for cutaneous cytology is broadly known to be one of the simplest, fastest, most reliable and inexpensive methods for the diagnosis of skin diseases, based as it is on the investigation of peculiar features in individual cells. This book illustrates the best practices in cutaneous or diagnostic cytology, and how cellular material is obtained by means of scraping, slit-skin smear, touch smear or fine needle aspiration, depending on the type of skin lesion. Starting from clinical lesions, the reader is provided with fundamental information on the correct preparation and staining of slides. Today, dermatological cytology is commonly used in the diagnosis of various erosive vesiculobullous, pustular, granulomatous, and tumoral skin lesions, but extending its use could be highly beneficial. Accordingly, this practical and richly illustrated book, explicitly dedicated to professionals and practitioners in the field of pathology and dermatology, outlines and encourages the intensified use of this method in daily practice.