What is Cellular Pathology?
Cellular pathology, also known as histopathology, is the study of disease at the microscopic level. It involves the examination of tissue samples to identify abnormalities in cells and tissues that may indicate diseases such as cancer, infections, inflammation, and other medical conditions. This field bridges the disciplines of
anatomy,
physiology, and pathology to provide a comprehensive understanding of how diseases affect the body at the cellular level.
How are Tissue Samples Collected?
Tissue samples can be collected through various methods such as
biopsies, surgical excisions, and fine needle aspirations. Once collected, the tissue is preserved using chemicals like formalin, embedded in paraffin, sliced into thin sections, and stained to highlight different cellular components.
Cancer: Uncontrolled cell growth leading to malignant tumors.
Inflammation: The body's response to injury, characterized by the presence of immune cells.
Infection: Presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi in tissue.
Degeneration: Deterioration of cells due to aging or disease.
Fibrosis: Excessive formation of connective tissue, often due to chronic inflammation.
What Role Does Histology Play in Treatment?
Histological analysis is crucial for treatment planning. For example, identifying the type and grade of a
tumor helps determine the appropriate therapy, whether it be surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Inflammatory markers can guide the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and identifying infectious agents can lead to targeted antimicrobial treatments.
