[Status and developmental prospects of a cytological service in the USSR].

To date, the experience obtained evidence that the modern level of cytological diagnostics allows its being referred to as a separate branch of clinical medicine, that can provide morphological diagnosis of malignancies and other pathological processes. Cytological assay, as shown by reports of leading oncological institutes, should be employed in any therapeutic establishment already during patients' primary address to a specialist. A special importance is attached to cytological assay in mass prophylactic examinations as an effective adjunct for prophylaxis and early recognition of cancer of the cervix, stomach, lung, skin. The principles of the organization of special service of clinical cytology in the USSR are substantiated.