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Histopathological examination is one of the fundamental diagnostic tools in medicine, allowing for a precise assessment of tissues and organs and the detection of various diseases. In this article, we will learn what histopathological examination is, what its types are, who performs it and how to read the results.
What does histopathological examination look like?
Histopathological examination involves microscopic analysis of tissue or cell preparations collected from the patient. The process usually begins with taking a tissue sample, which is then specially prepared and stained to enable accurate microscopic examination. The pathologist analyzes the structure of cells, tissues and possible pathological changes.
Who evaluates the histopathological preparation?
The histopathological preparation is assessed by a specialist called a pathologist or histopathologist. He is a highly qualified doctor who has the skills necessary to interpret microscopic images of tissues and cells and recognize disease lesions.
Histopathological examination – results, what can be recognized thanks to the examination?
The results of histopathological examination can provide a lot of important information. Thanks to it, it is possible to recognize various types of diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, infections and other abnormalities in tissues and organs. Accurate histopathological diagnosis is often crucial for further treatment.
What is a biopsy? what types can be distinguished?
A biopsy is a medical procedure during which a sample of tissue or cells is taken from a patient’s body for further histopathological analysis. There are several types of biopsy, depending on where and why the sample is taken. The most common types of biopsy are open, fine-needle, core-needle and endoscopic.
Why does a doctor decide to perform a biopsy on a patient at all?
The decision to perform a biopsy may be due to various reasons. Most often, the doctor undertakes this procedure to confirm or exclude the presence of cancer or other pathological changes in tissues. Biopsy is a key tool in oncological diagnosis and in identifying the causes of various diseases.
So what are the types of biopsies?
Types of biopsies include open biopsy, which involves removing tissue during surgery, fine needle biopsy, which uses a thin needle to take a sample, core needle biopsy, which uses a thicker needle, and endoscopic biopsy, which uses an endoscope to take a sample from inside an organ.
How should you prepare for a biopsy?
Preparation for a biopsy may vary depending on the type of procedure. In the case of an open biopsy, the patient may be asked to undergo certain dietary and drug restrictions before surgery. However, in the case of fine- and core-needle biopsy, no special preparation is usually required.
So what does fine- and thick-needle aspiration biopsy look like?
During a fine-needle or core-needle aspiration biopsy, the doctor uses a needle to precisely remove a sample of tissue or fluid from an area that is suspected of having pathological changes. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes a few minutes. The patient may feel slight pain, but it is usually short-lived.
Can there be any complications after a biopsy?
Most biopsies are relatively safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a risk of complications. These may include bleeding, infection, pain or damage to adjacent tissue. The doctor always discusses the potential risks and benefits with the patient before proceeding with the biopsy.
In what cases are biopsies performed?
Biopsies are performed in various cases where there is suspicion of diseases or pathological changes in tissues. They are used in the diagnosis of cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and many other diseases. The decision to perform a biopsy depends on the patient’s individual situation and doctor’s recommendations.
Your suggestions
In case of any doubts regarding the results of the histopathological examination or the need to perform a biopsy, it is always worth consulting a specialist. He will be able to advise and plan further diagnostic and treatment procedures.
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