Histology and Cytology Market Analysis By Type of Examination (Cytology [Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer, Others], Histology), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global histology & cytology market size was estimated at USD 8.6 billion in 2016. Globally, increasing rate of cancer incidence and continuous R&D are expected to be key factors driving the growth. 

According to the WHO, cancer was the second leading cause of death across the globe in 2015 and was responsible for 8.8 million deaths. Hence, high incidence of cancer due to changing lifestyle and change in environment are likely to drive the market during the forecast period.

U.S. cytology market by application, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million)

Continuous efforts in R&D by various major players widen the application for diagnosis of various applications is likely to drive the market during the forecast period. Presently, the tests are used majorly for the screening of cervical and breast cancer. However, application of histology and cytology for the screening of bladder and lung cancer is growing at rapid rate.Furthermore, growing awareness about screening of cancer and technological development in the cell and tissue studies are likely to increase the demand in the near future, which drives growth. Requirement of companion diagnostics for targeted drugs is likely to increase the demand of cytology and histology products in the recent years. 

Type of Examination Insights

Based on the type of examination, the market has been segmented into cytology and histology. Cytology is further segmented by application into cervical, breast, and other cancers. 

In 2016, cytology accounted for the highest share of the market. This can be attributed to higher demand for cell screening. Advantages associated with the cytology are low cost, high specificity, and adequate sensitivity. Hence, volume of tests performed was high. Furthermore, it is expected that cytology segment will dominate during the forecast period.

Cervix and breast screening are the major applications of cytology. Cervical cancer accounted for the largest share in cytology study in 2016 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This can be attributed to large patient pool and availability of products for the cervical cancer screening. Furthermore, investment by the players for the development of tests is likely to drive during the forecast period.

Other cancer majorly includes cancer of urinary bladder, lungs, head &neck, colorectal, and ovary. Furthermore, application area is continuously growing due to ongoing research in the field.

Global histology and cytology market by treatment, 2016 (%)

Histology is the study of tissue for the diagnosis of diseases. The test is preferred for the confirmation of diseases. Development of automated analysis products with high sensitivity may drive the demand during the forecast period. However, high cost as compared to cytological tests may slower the growth of the histology market.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing region over the forecast period. India, China, and Singapore have been experiencing strong economic growth and major emerging countries in this region. Growing geriatric population, rising cancer incidence, and increasing awareness about cancer screening are likely to drive the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, Japan contributed the highest share in the Asia Pacific region owing to higher affordability of the patients and more awareness about overall health. 

North America dominated in the market in 2016. Availability of well-equipped diagnostic clinics, better coverage for diagnosis & treatment, and government initiatives for the implementation of high quality screening are the factors responsible for the dominance of the region.

Europe accounted significant share in the market in 2016 due to local presence of major market players and affordability of patients for the screening tests. Furthermore, growing incidence of cancer in Europe and recent approval of products are likely to drive the market.

Competitive Insights

The global market is highly competitive by nature. Major players are Abbott Laboratories; Becton, Dickinson and Company; Danaher; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd; Hologic, Inc.; Sysmex Corporation; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.; and Trivitron Healthcare.

Development of sensitive & specific products and targeted commercialization activities by merger or collaborations are expected to be key parameters to remain competitive in this market and gain share. For instance, in April 2017 Roche CINtec Histology test received the FDA approval and is expected to improve consistency in diagnosis of cervical-pre cancers.

Moreover, in 2015, Hologic, Inc. launched their two new processors that provide an access to the next generation in cytology slide processing. Hence, product development and commercialization is a key strategy to be competitive in the market.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global histology and cytology market on the basis of type of examination and region: 

• Type of Examination Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Cytology

    • Cervical Cancers

    • Breast Cancers

    • Other Cancers

  • Histology

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa