Histopathology is the study of diseased tissue, analyzed by a pathologist. Tissue samples are processed and examined under a microscope to identify abnormalities, often using pigments to aid identification. The examination is crucial in cancer treatment and requires a long educational path for pathologists.
Histopathology is the study of diseased tissue, such as tissue obtained through a biopsy, by a specialized physician known as a pathologist. Tissue samples are studied under a microscope to identify how a disease develops. The tissue sample goes through a special process so it can be analyzed on a glass slide, as opposed to cytopathology, where the samples are examined without being processed.
Specimens for histopathology must be processed and fixed for examination. Two processes are used. The first is a chemical fixation procedure in which tissue samples are immersed in a bath of paraffin, or wax, for 12 to 16 hours. This allows tissue to be cut into two to seven micrometer sections for examination.
The second process used is frozen sectioning. The tissue samples are frozen and cut into thin slices, as in the chemical fixation process. Frozen sectioning is faster, although these samples are of lower quality than chemical fixation samples. Typically, the frozen section is used to determine the edges, or edges, of a tumor when surgery is being performed.
In both processes, the tissue is often stained with pigments to help the pathologist identify the structure of the cells and pinpoint any abnormalities. As recent technology has improved, digital imaging is being used to aid in the examination of tissue samples from surgeries, biopsies, and even autopsies to help find out the cause of death. Histopathologic examinations can also help determine the cause of several health problems besides cancer, including pregnancy problems, by examining placenta tissue or tissue reaction to certain medications.
In cancer treatment, a histopathological examination of tissue removed for biopsy or surgery is very important in planning the correct course of treatment. The pathologist prepares the sample sent during surgery to examine and advise the surgeon whether or not to proceed or to inform the surgeon when the boundaries are clear. In a biopsy, the pathologist will determine what type of cells are involved and their stage, which helps decide which course of treatment is best for the identified cancer.
Physicians specializing in histopathology have a long educational path. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in a chosen scientific discipline, a pathologist must also complete a four-year doctoral degree followed by three to eight years of residency. He is expected to continue his education throughout his career.
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