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Histology · Additional topics

History of Cytology

The study of the history of cytology is closely linked to the development of clinical examination methods in oral and maxillofacial surgery. To establish an accurate diagnosis and choose a treatment strategy, the physician uses a combination of subjective and objective approaches.

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CytologyAn important method in disease diagnosis
ExaminationDivided into basic and additional methods
Patient InterviewIncludes gathering complaints, medical history, and allergy data
Physical ExaminationIncludes external inspection and examination of the oral cavity
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 10.10.2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesPending instructor review

Basic patient examination methods

Establishing an accurate diagnosis begins with basic diagnostic measures, which are divided into two main groups:

  1. Patient interview — sequential gathering of information regarding complaints, history of the disease, previous treatments, occupational hazards, as well as allergic and general medical history.
  2. Physical examination and objective methods — include external inspection of the maxillofacial region (head, neck, vermilion border of the lips), palpation, inspection of the vestibule and the oral cavity proper, as well as probing and percussion.

Important condition: the physician must always adhere to the principles of deontology and take into account the individual personality traits of each patient.

Additional diagnostic methods

To clarify the diagnosis, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon utilizes a wide range of instrumental, laboratory, and functional studies:

  • Thermometry and electric pulp testing.
  • Diagnostic imaging methods.
  • Cytological and morphological studies.
  • Sialometry and sialography for the evaluation of the salivary glands.
  • Microbiological, biochemical, and immunological assays.
  • Laboratory tests of blood and other biological fluids.
Test your knowledge on the topicTasks from the Histology course bank — instant answers and explanations.

Functional diagnostic methods

A separate group of additional studies comprises specialized functional assessment techniques:

  • Rheography, polarography, and myography.
  • Laser Doppler flowmetry and masticaciography.
  • Thermovisiorography.
  • Fabrication of diagnostic dental casts.
  • Modern computer facial modeling.
How to memorize

Examination plan: Interview ➔ Examination ➔ Additional methods (laboratory and functional).

Class and exam questions

Which groups of methods are included in the basic examination methods?

Basic examination methods are divided into subjective (interview) and objective (inspection, palpation, probing, percussion).

What does the patient interview during a surgical appointment include?

The interview includes gathering complaints, history of the present illness and past medical history, noting occupational hazards, previous and concomitant diseases, as well as an allergy history.

What are additional examination methods used for?

Additional methods are used to precisely clarify the diagnosis and include imaging, cytological, morphological, microbiological, and functional studies.

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What else to study on this topic

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