Cytopathology Service
Contact Information
Co-Directors
Division of Cytopathology
- 1600 Divisadero St.
- Room 200, Box 1785
- San Francisco, CA 94115
- Phone: 415-353-7043
- Fax : 415-353-7676
Supervisor
- Molinda Mah
- Phone: 415-885-7302
- Fax : 415-353-7676
- Email: molinda.mah@ucsfmedctr.org
Faculty
- Frederick Baehner, MD
- Ronald Balassanian, MD
- Anna B. Berry, MD
- Teresa M. Darragh, MD
- Douglas K. Hanks, MD
- Gioia Iezza, MD
- Kirk D. Jones, MD
- Elham Khanafshar, MD, MS
- Zoltan G. Laszik, MD, PhD
- Britt-Marie Ljung, MD
- Theodore R. Miller, MD
- Z. Laura Tabatabai, MD
Fellows
- Khaing Soe Win, MD
- Nancy Ciau, MD
Overview
The Cytopathology Division of the UCSF Department of Pathology offers expert diagnostic consultation services in all areas of Cytopathology, including Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy, by a team of nationally and internationally recognized expert cytopathologists. We provide a combination of excellent care and rapid turn-around time.
Most cytopathology staff members are located at Mt. Zion Hospital where they oversee a large fine-needle aspiration (FNAB) clinic. The FNAB clinic is open Monday-Friday 9:30 AM-5 PM for palpable masses of all organs, serving UCSF clinics and patients from other hospitals and from freestanding physicians offices.
Related Research
- Diagnostic Accuracy of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy is Determined by Physician Training in Sampling Technique
- Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Metastatic Melanoma
- UCSF Breast Cancer SPORE
Related Publications
- The Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNA) Clinic
- Fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma
- UCSF ∙ Stanford Current Issues in Anatomic Pathology 2007
Educational Materials
Affiliated Organizations
| Service Name | Moffitt | Mt. Zion | SFGH | VAMC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gynecologic and Anal CytologyGynecologic specimens include exfoliative vaginal, cervical, and endocervical specimens, conventional smears and samples in thin layer media. We use the ThinPrep® method for processing thin layer samples, and the ThinPrep® Imaging System is used to aid in screening. Anal Cytology is also rountinely performed. Both conventional smears and thin layer media samples may be submitted. We use the ThinPrep® method for processing thin layer samples. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Non-Gynecologic CytologyFine Needle Aspiration Biopsies of palpable lesions are performed mainly in our Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Clinic at Mt. Zion Hospital. On-site assistance is also provided at image-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy procedures at all locations. FNAB samples from all sites are routinely evaluated. Body Cavity Fluid Samples, from sites including pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, ascites, peritoneal washings and synovial fluid are routinely evaluated at all sites. Urine (voided and instrumented), bladder washings, ureteral brushings, and urethral brushings are routinely evaluated at all sites. Gastrointestinal specimens from sites such as esophagus, stomach, bile duct, duodenum, and colon are routinely evaluated at all sites. Respirtatory specimens including sputum, bronchial brushings, and bronchial washings are routinely evaluated at all sites. Central nervous systems specimens, including cerebrospinal fluid and brain cyst samples are routinely evaluated at all sites. Various other sample types, such as breast nipple discharge, are also routinely evaluated at all sites. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy ClinicAny palpable lesion of concern may be biopsied by Fine Needle Aspiration, with on-site adequacy evaluation and rapid turn-around time. For more information about this service, see the attached flyer or call 415-885-7301. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Consultation ServicesTwo services are available: Diagnostic Consultation (available to non-UCSF health care providers and patients) and Diagnostic Confirmation (available to UCSF health care providers). The Diagnostic Consultation service offers second opinions on cytopathology diagnoses. Non-UCSF providers or patients may directly submit glass slides for a second opinion consultation by any of our diagnostic cytopathologists. A formal UCSF pathology report is generated for each consultation. We aim for expert care and efficient turn-around time. In addition to a copy of the original pathology report and the glass slides, we recommend a cover letter that includes as much detail as possible on clinical history, prior surgical procedures, and gross specimen findings. For bone and soft tissue and pulmonary cases, we strongly advise submitting all relevant radiologic images, either digitized on a CD-ROM or the actual films. This will maximize our evaluation of the case materials. Direct conversation with our pathologists by telephone is also encouraged. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |