Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external (chemicals, radiation and viruses) and internal (hormones, immune conditions and inherited mutations) factors. Causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote carcinogenesis. Ten or more years often pass between exposures or mutations and detectable cancer. Cancer is treated by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormones and immunotherapy. The purpose of this TriMark Publications report is to describe the specific segment of the diagnostic market aimed at analysis cytology (the examination of cells using optical microscopy methods) specimens derived from the human female reproductive tract. It examines the measurement devices and their reagents and supplies used in hospitals, clinics, commercial laboratories and research institutions to detect cells and proteins for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. The study describes the analytical methods used to separate, isolate, characterize and quantitate cells, DNA and proteins complex in biological systems related to the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the female reproductive tract, such as the cervix and vagina. The emphasis is on those companies and products that are actively developing and marketing laboratory instrumentation, reagents and supplies for performing cytology and related molecular diagnostic tests, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and other inflammatory and sexually-transmitted diseases.