This monograph is a compilation of the Concepts Basic to General Cytopathology written by the late John K. Frost MD, published in 1959 by Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. It was produced for use by the various students of cytopathology. The last (fourth) edition was printed in 1972. The original book of “concepts” has been translated into Chinese and Persian languages and is considered a “Bible” for understanding the fundamentals of clinical cytopathology.

This book is a conceptual document and not a comprehensive account of cytohistology. It integrates the fundamental concepts of diagnostic cytohistology as developed over decades of observations and insights which have stood the test of time. They are regarded as the most valuable for accurate interpretation and diagnosis of the cytologic specimens. In the modern practice of medicine, microscopic interpretation and biologic behavior are often poorly connected. These factual conclusions, however slim, contribute to the crux of diagnosis and patient care, including grading and staging of most tumors. This monograph is intended to improve cytodiagnoses.

The book is organized into seven chapters. A brief history of cytohistology is presented followed by a detailed discussion of “normal” cells derived from the various body sites and preparations; malignant cell transformation, functional differentiation of various tissues, and diagnostic pitfalls are presented in that order. A chapter by Mr. Gary W. Gill on Fixation and Specimen Processing is included.