What are the Common Techniques in Histology for Cancer Diagnosis?
Several histological techniques are employed to diagnose cancer:
Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) Staining: This is the most common staining technique. Hematoxylin stains cell nuclei blue, while eosin stains the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix pink, providing a contrast that highlights abnormalities. Immunohistochemistry (IHC): This technique uses antibodies to detect specific antigens in the tissue. It helps in identifying the type of cancer and its origin by highlighting proteins that are unique to certain cancer cells. Special Stains: These include stains like Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's Trichrome, which are used to highlight specific tissue components that may be altered in cancer. Molecular Pathology: Techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to detect genetic mutations and chromosomal abnormalities associated with cancer.
