How Are Histological Techniques Used in Disease Diagnosis?

Several histological techniques are employed to diagnose diseases:

Staining Techniques: Different stains like Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome are used to highlight various tissue components. These stains help identify cellular and extracellular structures, making abnormalities more apparent.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissues. It is especially useful in diagnosing cancers, as it can identify markers that indicate the type and origin of the tumor.
In Situ Hybridization (ISH): ISH is used to detect specific nucleic acid sequences within tissue sections. This is valuable in diagnosing viral infections and certain genetic diseases.
Electron Microscopy: For ultra-structural analysis, electron microscopy provides detailed images of cellular organelles, helping to diagnose diseases at a sub-cellular level.