Cytology is a useful clinical tool for investigation of disease processes, however like all diagnostic procedures there are associated pitfalls. Cytology should be considered a guide. Characteristics of the cells may not be sufficient in many instances to yield a definitive diagnosis or indicate the probable behaviour of the lesion. These may require examination of the overall architecture of the tissue, for which cytology is not appropriate. Richard will be discussing the tricks and traps of cytology and giving an overall understanding of its uses.