In a cytology exam, what type of cells would indicate neoplasia?

The presence of abnormal, disorganized cells that exhibit atypia is a strong indicator of neoplasia in a cytology exam. Neoplasia refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells, which can lead to tumor formation—benign or malignant. When examining a cytological sample, the normal architecture of the tissue is disrupted, and the cells may appear larger, with irregular shapes and varying sizes. Additionally, these atypical cells may show abnormal characteristics such as increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios, irregular nuclear contours, and prominent nucleoli.

These features distinguish neoplastic cells from normal, healthy cells, which maintain a uniform and organized structure. Moreover, dead and necrotic cells, while possibly present in a sample, do not indicate neoplasia but rather tissue damage or degeneration. Homogeneous, organized cells suggest normal tissue structure and function, further underscoring that atypical, disorganized cells are key indicators of neoplasia in cytological examinations.