Histopathology and cytopathology

Question 1

What do histopathologists use?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What do cytopathologists use?

Answer 2

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

Specimen must be properly labelled
Fix in formalin
Embed in paraffin wax
Cut sections

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