Molecular markers in cervical cytology

It is expected that in the near future, the high sensitivity of array-based technologies and identification of panels of molecular fingerprints that are specific for each disease process will allow the pathologist to analyze cytologic samples and tissue biopsies by these technologies in conjunction with morphologic evaluation. This approach could lead to a new era in diagnosis and patient management, where each patient may receive individualized treatment according to the molecular characteristics of the disease that are obtained from a minute amount of tissue. Therefore, it is important for pathologists and other clinical specialists to have an understanding of these molecular technologies. It is hoped that this article will allow practitioners to incorporate these concepts into their training, and, eventually, into their daily practice.