Session 1- Pathology processes

Question 1

What’s the difference between histology and cytology?

Answer 1

Histology: Taking core biopsies, cancer resection specimens etc..
Cytology: Fine needle aspirates. Used to determine if cancer. Not a diagnosis

Question 2

Name the advantages of histology over cytology

Answer 2

Often theurapeutic as well as diagnostic
You can assess the architecture as well as cellular atypia
Better for immunohistochemical tests and molecular testing
Cytology often inadequate and have high error rates

Question 3

Name the advantages of cytology over histology

Answer 3

Non invasive
Faster and cheaper
Can be used for cells within a fluid

Question 4

How do you stop cells from performing autolysis when you cut the blood supply off? Whats the name of the chemical

Answer 4

You use a fixative

Formalin

Question 5

What three things do fixatives do

Answer 5

Inactivate tissue enzymes
Prevent bacterial growth
Harden tissue

Question 6

What hardening agent is used in preparing a specimen? WHy is a hardening agent required

Answer 6

Paraffin wax

So you can cut very thin slices

Question 7

What colours do the haemotoxylin and eosin stain?

Answer 7

Haemotoxylin: Nucleus Blue
Eosin: Cytoplasm Pink

Question 8

How do you identify whether a cancer is a carcinoma?

Answer 8

Test for cytokeratins.

These are present in all epithelia

Question 9

When would you use a frozen section

Answer 9

When histology of a sample is required whilst the patient is still on the operating table