Histopathological examination
Histopathological Examination
Histopathological examination (pronunciation: his-toh-path-oh-loj-i-kal ex-am-i-na-tion) is a diagnostic technique used in the field of medicine to study the manifestations of disease in tissues and cells. The term is derived from the Greek words 'histo' meaning tissue, 'pathos' meaning disease, and 'logia' meaning study.
Overview
Histopathological examination involves the microscopic examination of biological tissues to observe the appearance of diseased cells and tissues in very fine detail. It is an essential tool in pathology and is critical in the diagnosis of cancer, among other diseases.
Procedure
The procedure for histopathological examination typically involves four stages: fixation, processing, embedding and sectioning, and staining. The tissue sample, obtained through biopsy, is first fixed to preserve its structure. It is then processed and embedded in a medium like paraffin wax to support the tissue. Thin sections are cut and then stained to highlight the various components of the tissue. The stained sections are examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
Significance
Histopathological examination is crucial in the field of oncology as it helps in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. It can also provide information about the prognosis and guide treatment decisions. In addition, it is used in the study of inflammatory diseases and to understand the pathogenesis of various diseases.
Related Terms
- Pathology: The scientific study of the causes and effects of diseases.
- Biopsy: A procedure that involves extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination.
- Oncology: The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
- Microscope: An instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye.
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