The global histology and cytology market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of nearly 13.0% during the forecast period. The major factors contributing to the growth of the market include a significant rise in cancer incidences and the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, the cancer burden across the globe is anticipated to have increased to 18.1 million new incidences and 9.6 million mortalities. Globally, one in 5 men and one in 6 women develop cancer in their lifetime. Globally, there were 43.8 million patients suffering from cancer in 2018.

In 2018, Europe held 23.4% of the global cancer incidences and Americas account for 21.0% of the global cancer incidences. In Asia and Africa, the proportion of cancer mortalities were 57.3% and 7.3%, respectively, which is higher as compared to the proportion of incident cases, 48.4% and 5.8%, respectively. This has resulted as these regions have a considerable frequency of some forms of cancer associated with higher mortality rates and poor prognosis, as well as low access to timely diagnosis and treatment in several countries. As a result, the government across these regions have been conducting awareness programs for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

For instance, in February 2011, Cancer Prevention 4 Africa Campaign was launched as a joint effort by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the Africa Oxford Cancer Foundation (AfrOx) to promote awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of cancer among people. The rising prevalence of cancer and government efforts to promote awareness regarding cancer is primarily encouraging the demand for anatomical pathology solutions, such as histology and cytology for screening and diagnosis of cancer. These are the major tools used in cancer diagnosis. In cytology, the cancer diagnosis is performed on the cellular level, whereas in histopathology, it is conducted on tissue levels.

These techniques have emerged from the period of diagnosis on the basis of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides to the available regular assessment of tumours by immunocytochemistry (IHC) to confirm the presence of tumour histogenesis and subtype. Molecular histopathology with the use of in-situ hybridization (ISH) techniques enables to offer additional information that influences prognosis and treatment of cancer. In addition, the market has significant opportunity owing to the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for molecular profiling.

Market Segmentation

The global histology and cytology market is segmented based on the type of examination, product, and end-user. Based on the type of examination, the market is classified into histology and cytology. Based on the product, the market is classified into reagents and consumables, and instruments and analysis software system. Based on end-user, the market is classified into hospitals and clinical laboratories and academic and research institutes.

Cytology is anticipated to hold the largest share in the type of examination

Based on the type of examination, cytology is estimated to hold a significant share in 2018. As compared to tissue biopsy, cytology specimens are easier to get and resulting in less discomfort to the patients. It costs less and has a low possibility of serious complications. Cytology tests are used for both diagnosis and screening purpose. Pap test is a renowned cytology test in which a small spatula or brush is utilized to remove cells from the cervix. Other areas that can be scraped or brushed comprise the stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube), mouth, and bronchi. Cytology tests are further used for screening of fetal abnormalities and to diagnose infectious organisms, as well as in other areas of screening and diagnosis.

Global Histology and Cytology Market Share by Type of Examination, 2018 (%)

Regional Outlook

The global histology and cytology market is segmented based on four major regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). In 2018, North America is estimated to hold a significant share in the market owing to the increasing prevalence of cancer and significant awareness regarding the cancer. The American Cancer Society has estimated that in 2019, there will be nearly 1,762,450 new cancer incidences diagnosed and 606,880 mortalities due to cancer will occur in the US. This leads to the demand for histology and cytology testing tools in the country. Favorable reimbursement infrastructure is further contributing to the increasing demand for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, which in turn, is encouraging the market growth in the region.

Global Histology and Cytology Market Growth, by Region 2019-2025

Market Players Outlook

The major players operating in the market include Abbott Laboratories, Merck KGaA, F. Hoffman-La Roche AG, Hologic, Inc., and Becton, Dickinson, and Co.The new product launches with the advanced capabilities by the companies has been reported that can support to drive their market share.For instance, in March 2020, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd declared the US FDA approval of CINtec PLUS Cytology. It is the first biomarker-based triage test for women whose primary results of cervical cancer screening are positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) using cobas 4800 HPV Test. It can make clinical decision much easier by offering easy to understand results that allows clinicians and women to move forward on next steps.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2018 and forecast to 2025.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global histology and cytology market. Based on the availability of data, information related to pipeline products, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.