How Do Histologists Approach Differential Diagnosis?
When faced with a complex case, histologists employ a systematic approach to differential diagnosis. This involves: 1. Histopathological Examination: Initial assessment using routine staining techniques like Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). 2. Special Stains: Utilization of special stains such as Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) or Masson's Trichrome to highlight specific tissue components. 3. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Application of antibodies to detect specific antigens, aiding in the identification of cell types and disease markers. 4. Molecular Techniques: Techniques like in situ hybridization (ISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genetic abnormalities.
