2020 Volume 59 Issue 6 Pages 263-268
Concerning the reporting systems for cytodiagnosis after Papanicolaou classification, the 3-grade system (negative, suspicious, positive) has been well accepted around the world. However, The Bethesda System for cervical cytology 1988 had a great impact on the cytology reporting systems for other organs. Then, the organ-limited, original reporting systems appeared for cytological examinations of the thyroid, urine and salivary glands. At this moment, new formats for reporting the results of cytology are being prepared for publication in the endometrium, breast and lung. In the Japanese “General Rules,” standardized terminologies and definitions are described as a nationwide standard for diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cytodiagnoses for 15 organs are included in the “General Rules.” The reporting systems of cytodiagnosis should be described in every “General Rules” for being recognized as a nationwide standard. This article describes the international and domestic history and changes in the reporting systems for cytodiagnosis, in an attempt to promote the discussions and negotiations for making cytodiagnosis take in “General Rules”.
