Histopathology and cytopathology

Question 1

What samples do histopathologists assess?

Answer 1

TISSUES:
Biopsies
Resection specimens- from surgery
Frozen sections- real time diagnosis
Post-mortems

Question 2

What do cytopathologists assess?

Answer 2

CELLS:
Smears
Fine needle aspirates

Question 3

What are the questions that are asked when reviewing histopathology biopsies?

Answer 3

Is it normal?
Is it INFLAMED and if it is, what is the cause?
Is it CANCER and if it is, what type is it?

Question 4

What are the questions that are asked when reviewing resection specimens?

Answer 4

How far has the cancer SPREAD?

Is it all OUT?

Question 5

How are sections obtained?

Answer 5

1. Specimen must be properly labelled
2. Fix in formalin
3. Embed in paraffin wax
4. Cut sections thinly and stain

Question 6

What do we do with the sections?

Answer 6

• Stain e.g. gram, ZN
• Identify specific antigens using antibodies = immunohistochemistry
• Carry out molecular tests

Question 7

How long does it take cytopathology and histopathology results to reach the clinician?

Answer 7

Cytopathology - pretty fast
Frozen section- 30 minutes
Biopsies- 2-3 days
Resection specimens 5-7 days

Question 8

When are frozen sections used?

Answer 8

Rapid diagnosis - Is it cancer? All out? Anything else?

When assessing whether the margin where you though the cancer was needs to be resected further e.g. during a surgery

Question 9

Name two types of post-mortems.

Answer 9

Hospital

Coroner’s

Question 10

What types of samples are obtained from fine needle aspirations?

Answer 10

Individual cells –> cytopathology

e.g. aspirates can be taken from enlarged lymph nodes,