How Does Histology Contribute to Understanding Cancer?
In cancer research, histology is invaluable for studying the microenvironment of tumors, which includes cancer cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix. By analyzing tissue sections, researchers can identify markers of malignancy, understand how tumors grow and spread, and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments. Techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization are often used to detect specific proteins and nucleic acids within tissue samples.