Advances in Cytology and Small Biopsies: A Comprehensive Course for Pathologists and Cytotechnologists

The scope of cytopathology practice has grown increasingly complex in recent years, with the introduction of new techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and the exposure to specimen types not previously sampled using cytologic methods. To address this, our course “Advances in Cytology and Small Biopsies” provides pathologists and cytotechnologists with a comprehensive overview and update on diagnostic pathology utilizing a combination of cytology and small biopsy specimens.

The emphasis of the course 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. We will also cover advances in automation and standardized terminology reporting.

Course Overview

The course will feature expert faculty from the three major Harvard teaching hospitals – BWH, MGH, and BIDMC, as well as a world-renowned expert, Dr. Eva Wojcik, who will discuss urinary cytopathology and changes to the most widely adopted reporting system for urinary cytopathology, The Paris System 2.0. 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.

In addition, we will cover the latest updates on standardized reporting of pancreaticobiliary lesions, including a brief review of the new WHO Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytology, and our Diagnostic Challenges and Lessons Learned symposium with digitized virtual glass slides that will be available to registrants in advance of the course.

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.

Program

Monday, June 12, 2023

• 8:00-8:15 AM: Welcome and Introduction – Martha Bishop Pitman, MD
• 8:15-8:45 AM: HSIL and Its Mimics – Vanda Torous, MD
• 8:45-9:15 AM: Endocervical-AGCs and Worse – Vanda Torous, MD
• 9:15-9:45 AM: Endometrial Cells and Their Mimics – Jeffrey Mito, MD, PhD

Take Advantage of Our Online Course Format

The 2023 course will capitalize on the tremendous success of the revamped 2019 course, which sold out 6 weeks in advance of the course dates. By moving to a new virtual distribution format, we will be able to greatly expand our registration capacity and provide a more accessible and convenient learning experience for participants.