Cesar presents an automated multiparameter approach to pattern recognition in the rapid detection of malignant cells from cervical and other cancers. Cells are cybernetically classified. They are collected into a container into which a nuclear stain may be incorporated and laid as a track on 35 mm. film using a disposable mapping pen device. The film track (Cytotrack) may be scanned using conventional optics and provision may be made for electronic sensing devices measuring a number of parameters, some of which are not normally used in conventional microscopy.