Histological examinations

Histological Examination (1 Specimen): Tissue Structure Analysis and Disease Diagnosis

A histological examination (1 specimen) is a laboratory procedure in which a collected tissue sample (biopsy) is analysed under a microscope. It is a specialised microscopic examination of tissue. This test enables a detailed assessment of tissue architecture, cellular changes, and the presence of various diseases, including inflammatory conditions, precancerous lesions, and tumours. Histological examination is one of the most comprehensive and important diagnostic methods available. It requires advanced technology, considerable processing time, and the expertise of experienced medical professionals. Its diagnostic value is exceptionally high, and in many cases, it serves as the basis for establishing a definitive diagnosis.

What is a histological examination?

Histological examination is a branch of pathology in which a tissue sample is specially prepared (fixed, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin, sectioned into thin slices, and stained) and then examined under a microscope. Based on the microscopic findings, the pathologist evaluates the structure of cells and tissues, identifies pathological changes, and establishes a diagnosis. Examination of a single specimen means that one tissue fragment is analysed.

Why is a histological examination (1 specimen) performed?

Histological examination plays a key role in diagnosing oncological diseases as well as other systemic and local pathological conditions. The procedure involves collecting a small sample of tissue or an organ and examining it microscopically. Most commonly, it is performed to:

• Diagnose tumours: determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant and identify the tumour type.
• Identify the cause of inflammatory diseases: particularly in cases of chronic inflammatory processes affecting various organs.
• Assess precancerous changes: detect cellular atypia that may indicate a risk of cancer development.
• Diagnose infections: when infections causing tissue damage are suspected.
• Confirm or refine a diagnosis: when other diagnostic tests (such as imaging studies) do not provide sufficient information.

A large proportion of histological examinations are performed in gynaecology, including the analysis of cervical tissue samples, endometrial tissue, uterine and ovarian tumours, and cysts. Gastrointestinal biopsies (from the stomach and intestines) are also commonly examined. In addition, surgical specimens such as removed gallbladders, appendices, sections of intestine, thyroid tissue, lymph nodes, and other tissues are frequently analysed.

Procedure in the Clinic

Histological examinations are performed using biopsy material or tissue samples collected during surgery. For the most accurate assessment, it is preferable to obtain tissue from the pathological lesion itself rather than from the organ in general.

• Sample collection: the physician collects a tissue fragment from the affected area.
• Sample fixation: the collected specimen is immediately preserved in a special solution (most commonly formalin) to maintain tissue structure.
• Sample transportation: the fixed specimen is sent to a pathology laboratory.

In the laboratory, the specimen is processed and examined microscopically.

Interpretation of Results

The results of a histological examination are provided in a written report, in which the pathologist describes the tissue structure, cellular changes, and diagnostic findings.

• Diagnosis: indicates whether inflammatory changes, precancerous lesions, or a tumour have been identified in the specimen.
• Tumour type and stage: if a tumour is detected, the report specifies its type, degree of differentiation, and other clinically significant parameters.

It is important to emphasise that histological examination results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, taking into account the patient’s complete medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic findings.