Cytotechnologists examine human cells under the microscope, looking for early signs of cancer and other diseases. Cytotechnologists look for the smallest abnormalities in color, shape and size in the cells that can be clues to the presence of cancer or disease. They review PAP smears from the female cervix to look for early signs of cancer. They also look for abnormal cells in other body tissue and fluids. They decide whether a specimen is labeled ?normal? and no treatment is recommended, or ?abnormal? and a pathologist will then have to look at the slide to determine if cancer or some other form of disease is present. The earlier cancer is discovered the more likely a patient is to survive. The skill of the cytotechnologist often is the first clue that a patient is approaching serious disease. The cytotechnologist works independently with little supervision. He/she must be patient, precise and have relatively good eyesight. Cytotechnologists work in laboratories located in hospitals, clinics, research firms, etc.
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