Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Citología de esputo
Sputum cytology (SPYOO-tum sy-TAH-loh-jee)
Examination under a microscope of cells found in sputum (mucus and other matter brought up from the lungs by coughing). The test checks for abnormal cells, such as lung cancer cells.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.