histopatoloogiat

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of diseased tissues. It is a crucial diagnostic tool in medicine, particularly in fields like oncology, where it helps to identify and classify tumors, determine their stage and grade, and guide treatment decisions. The process involves obtaining a tissue sample, typically through a biopsy or surgical resection, which is then processed in a laboratory. This processing includes fixation, where the tissue is preserved, embedding in a solid medium like paraffin wax, and sectioning into very thin slices. These thin slices are then mounted on glass slides and stained with various dyes to highlight specific cellular structures.

A histopathologist, a medical doctor specializing in this field, then examines these stained slides under a microscope. They look for abnormalities in cell morphology, tissue architecture, and the presence of disease markers. Findings from the histopathological examination are compiled into a report that is sent to the treating physician. This report provides vital information for diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of an appropriate patient management plan. Beyond cancer diagnosis, histopathology is also used to study inflammatory conditions, infections, and other degenerative diseases, contributing significantly to our understanding of disease processes and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.