Histopathology
4,750 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Histology
Purpose
Histopathology or Histology is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining processed tissue samples under a microscope to identify structural changes in cells and tissues caused by disease. Medical professionals commonly use this test to confirm the presence and type of conditions such as cancer, infections, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
It plays a crucial role in guiding treatment decisions, determining prognosis, and monitoring disease progression. Histopathology also helps differentiate between benign and malignant growths, assess margins after tumor removal, and evaluate the effectiveness of therapies.
The test can be performed alongside Cytology tests (e.g., Pap smear), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Molecular pathology tests (e.g., PCR or FISH), Blood tests, and Imaging studies (e.g., CT, MRI, or ultrasound).
Patient Preparation
The patient will be prepared based on the sample collection method.
Samples
Obtain whole organs via surgery, and tissue samples via biopsies. Fix and label the samples immediately after collection with the patient’s name or a unique identifier. Samples are stable at room temperature after fixation or refrigerated at 2-8 °C.
Reference Range
Normal cells
Results Turnaround
1 to 3 weeks after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
Histopathology can confirm a wide range of diseases based on the structural and cellular changes observed in tissue samples, such as Cancer, Inflammatory Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Autoimmune Disorders, and Degenerative and Fibrotic Conditions.
Some possible outcomes of the test include;
- A benign result may indicate non-cancerous growths or normal tissue.
- A malignant finding confirms cancer and provides details on cell type and spread.
- The presence of inflammatory cells may suggest autoimmune or infectious processes.
- Tissue necrosis or fibrosis might point to chronic disease or prior damage.
Histopathology results are crucial in forming a definitive diagnosis and tailoring patient-specific treatment plans. For more on Histology, read this study.