In addition to routine H&E staining, special stains and techniques can provide further insights:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Uses antibodies to detect specific proteins expressed by cancer cells, aiding in tumor classification and prognosis. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): Detects specific DNA or RNA sequences within the tissue, useful for identifying genetic abnormalities. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): A subtype of ISH that uses fluorescent probes to detect genetic changes, often used in diagnosing hematologic cancers. Electron Microscopy: Provides detailed images of cell ultrastructure, useful for diagnosing certain cancers like small cell carcinoma.
