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Histological examination of neoplasms is an analysis of tissues taken from a patient under a microscope. This procedure allows you to make the most accurate diagnosis if the disease is associated with the occurrence of neoplasms.
Therefore, the effectiveness of the selected treatment depends on the correct diagnosis. For example, a visually ordinary mole does not cause concern, but it can become malignant in anyone, therefore, in order to determine the type of mole and understand what to do with it, a histological examination is prescribed.
The purpose of the appointment of a histological examination
A histological examination of neoplasms is prescribed to analyze the growth dynamics of a malignant formation, changes in tissues that have occurred after therapy (the effectiveness of treatment is checked), setting indications for radical surgery, differentiating malignant and benign neoplasms, the presence of a tumor in the early stages of its development, setting the maximum accurate diagnosis.
If the results of the study demonstrate the presence of a pathological process, the doctor selects an effective treatment complex in accordance with the diagnosis. It is important to remember that timely diagnosis is the key to successful and short-term treatment, it is possible without surgical intervention.
Two methods are used for research: the study of tissues that were obtained during surgery and a biopsy (targeted excision of a small piece of tissue for research).
It is important to understand that any wart can be cancer, and a mole can be a malignant tumor, and only histological diagnosis will determine the type of neoplasm.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure
Among the contraindications it is worth noting:
- the presence of blood diseases (including poor blood clotting);
- diabetes;
- acute viral and infectious diseases;
- serious disorders of the central nervous system (congenital or acquired);
- stage 4 cancer.
It is also necessary to tell your doctor about the presence of drug treatment, about allergies to anesthesia.
This type of diagnosis is prescribed if the presence of a tumor has already been established and it is necessary to determine its type and stage, if cosmetic removal of neoplasms on the skin is necessary, as well as to determine the etiology of neoplasms, etc. In other words, the histological examination of neoplasms allows the most accurate diagnosis. An analysis is also prescribed if there is a suspicion of polyposis. Polyps can form in the body of the uterus, small and large intestines, stomach, nose, and other places where there are mucous membranes.
Algorithm for histology of neoplasms
The first thing to do is to consult a doctor (gynecologist, gastroenterologist, ENT specialist, therapist, dermatologist, surgeon) – the choice of a doctor depends on the symptoms. The doctor takes the necessary biological material (aspiration, suction, puncture, collection of secretions from the tumor, mucosal smear).
The resulting biological material is placed in formalin (the solution should be ten times the volume of the test material).
The jar with the formalin solution is marked, it indicates the patient’s data, the date and area of the histological sample collection. The doctor draws up a referral for histology, in which he indicates all the necessary data, including bad habits. On the day of tissue sampling, after completing all the documentation, the excised tissues in formalin solution are transferred to the pathologist. The doctor first stains the obtained samples (special dyes are used), then the process of complete dehydration takes place. After dehydration, the samples are embedded in paraffin. A cube of the resulting paraffin is cut into thin slices, which are then placed on glass and examined by a specialist under a powerful microscope.
If no mistakes were made during the collection of tissues and cells, as well as in the histology algorithm, the results are as accurate as possible and allow diagnosing the type and stage of the neoplasm. Taking materials for research in no way will accelerate or stop the development of a neoplasm. A great danger to the human body is the constant traumatization of the neoplasm, as well as late diagnosis.
The average duration of neoplasm histology after tissue sampling is three days. Also, the doctor may prescribe an emergency diagnosis. Usually it is appointed during the operation.
Often the outcome of the operation will depend on the result obtained. Emergency diagnostics does not involve drying samples, they are simply frozen. The patient can receive the results in the form of a conclusion, or they will be transferred directly to the attending physician.
In any case, the attending doctor will decipher the conclusion in order to decide on further actions. Often, after receiving the results, the patient is sent for additional studies. The doctor may also refer you to other specialists in the field.
What can the analysis show?
Histological analysis is not indicated in all cases. Histology of neoplasms is necessary in order to determine the inflammatory process in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, to diagnose pathological changes in the female genital organs, to determine the causes of infertility, to diagnose cancers.
Analysis in rare cases shows false results, according to statistics, 98% of histology shows true results, which allows you to establish a diagnosis and decide on further actions.