What Is Histopathology?
Histopathology is the laboratory study of diseased tissue. It involves preparing tissue samples so they can be examined under a microscope, usually by a pathologist.
Histopathology is important in many areas of medicine, especially cancer diagnosis, inflammatory disease investigation, surgical pathology and biopsy reporting.
Histology vs histopathology
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Histology | Study of normal tissue structure |
| Histopathology | Study of tissue changes caused by disease |
| Cellular pathology | Wider field including histopathology and cytology |
What samples are used?
Histopathology commonly uses tissue specimens such as biopsies, surgical resections, endoscopy biopsy samples, skin excisions, lymph node samples, breast tissue, bowel tissue, lung tissue, prostate tissue and gynaecological tissue. The sample must be labelled, handled and processed carefully because tissue orientation, fixation and traceability can affect reporting.
What happens to tissue in the lab?
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Specimen reception | The tissue is checked, identified and logged |
| Fixation | Tissue is preserved, commonly using formalin |
| Dissection/grossing | Tissue is described and selected for processing |
| Processing | Water is removed and tissue is prepared for embedding |
| Embedding | Tissue is placed into wax blocks |
| Sectioning | Very thin sections are cut using a microtome |
| Staining | Sections are stained to show tissue structures |
| Microscopy | Slides are examined and reported by a pathologist |
| Additional tests | Special stains or immunohistochemistry may be used |
What stains are used?
Routine histopathology often uses stains that help show cell and tissue structures. The most common routine stain is haematoxylin and eosin, commonly called H&E. Other methods may include special stains, immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology tests, in-situ hybridisation and digital pathology workflows.
What does a histopathology biomedical scientist do?
A histopathology biomedical scientist may be involved in receiving specimens, ensuring traceability, tissue processing, embedding tissue, cutting sections, staining slides, performing special stains, supporting immunohistochemistry, quality control, troubleshooting staining or processing problems, maintaining documentation and supporting safe workflow and turnaround times.
The role is highly practical and detail-focused. A poorly orientated tissue block, damaged section or staining issue can affect interpretation.
Who reports histopathology results?
Histopathology slides are usually examined and reported by pathologists or appropriately qualified reporting professionals. Biomedical scientists play a crucial role in producing high-quality material for reporting, but diagnosis is made through the reporting pathway.
Histopathology vs cytology
| Histopathology | Cytology |
|---|---|
| Examines tissue architecture | Examines individual cells or cell groups |
| Uses biopsies and surgical specimens | Uses cell samples, fluids, smears or aspirates |
| Shows how cells are arranged in tissue | Focuses more on cell appearance |
| Often used for tissue diagnosis | Often used for screening or diagnostic support |
Summary
Histopathology is the study of diseased tissue. Histopathology biomedical scientists support diagnosis by preparing high-quality tissue sections, staining slides, maintaining quality and ensuring safe specimen handling.
FAQ
What is histopathology used for?
It is used to examine tissue for disease-related changes, including cancer, inflammation and other pathology.
Is histopathology the same as biopsy?
No. A biopsy is a tissue sample. Histopathology is the laboratory process used to examine that tissue.
Who reports histopathology results?
Results are usually reported by pathologists or appropriately qualified reporting professionals.
Is histopathology the same as cytology?
No. Histopathology examines tissue. Cytology examines cells.
Why does histopathology take time?
Tissue needs fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and reporting. Additional tests may add time.
This article is for general education only. Histopathology results must be interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals.