Histopathology focuses on the structural changes that occur in cells, tissues and organs when exposed to injurious stimuli. It is also intimately involved in the diagnosis of tumours and in determining their biological behaviour i.e. distinguishing benign from malignant (cancer).
Study of Structural Changes in Disease:
Histopathology examines how cells, tissues, and organs change in response to injury, infection, inflammation, or other disease processes, providing vital insight into underlying pathology.
Diagnosis and Classification of Tumours:
A core function of histology is identifying tumours and determining their biological behaviour—specifically distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions and helping guide appropriate clinical management.
Macroscopic and Microscopic Examination:
Each specimen undergoes a detailed macroscopic (gross) assessment, followed by the microscopic evaluation of carefully selected tissue sections to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Routine and Special Staining Techniques:
Standard haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains are used for all samples, with additional special stains applied as needed to highlight specific tissue components or disease processes.
Advanced Diagnostic Methods When Required:
In complex or uncertain cases, histopathologists use advanced ancillary techniques—such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, molecular testing, and intraoperative frozen sections—to achieve rapid or more definitive diagnoses.
Expert Laboratory Processing by Histotechnologists:
Skilled histotechnicians and histotechnologists are responsible for specimen processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining, ensuring high-quality slides for accurate interpretation by the histopathologist.