hisztopatológia

Histopathology is the study of microscopic changes in tissues caused by disease. It involves the examination of tissue samples, called biopsies, under a microscope to identify abnormal cells and structures. This process is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, particularly cancers.

The procedure begins with obtaining a tissue sample, which can be done through surgery, needle aspiration, or endoscopy. The sample is then fixed, typically in formaldehyde, to preserve its cellular structure. Following fixation, the tissue is processed through a series of steps, including dehydration and embedding in paraffin wax. This allows for thin sections to be cut using a microtome.

These thin sections are then mounted on glass slides and stained with various dyes, most commonly hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains cytoplasm and extracellular material pink. These stains highlight cellular abnormalities such as enlarged nuclei, irregular cell shapes, and abnormal cell arrangements, which are indicators of disease.

A pathologist, a physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through laboratory analysis of body fluids and tissues, then examines the stained slides. They look for specific patterns and features that characterize different diseases. Histopathology provides essential information for determining the type of disease, its stage, and its severity, guiding treatment decisions and predicting patient outcomes.