[Cytologic methods in dermatology].

Cytology is a simple, fast, and inexpensive procedure yielding a high degree of diagnostic accuracy-provided the examiner has a good deal of experience. It has not yet become generally accepted in the diagnosis of skin diseases, since biopsies are very easy to perform, and histopathology is still more reliable than cytology. Modern techniques such as electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry with polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, immunoelectron microscopy, DNA flow cytometry, and in situ hybridization have considerably increased the potentials of cytology and will certainly help to win general recognition in dermatology, as well.