What do doctors pay attention to when examining biopsy and cytological samples?

The appearance of different tissues and organs under the microscope varies significantly. This difference is a consequence of the different types and arrangements of cells. In medicine, it is crucial that diseases, including cancer, greatly affect the typical appearance of tissues and organs. Pathologists analyze this change during the examination of various tissue samples.

Pathologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases, often performing laboratory tests. Sometimes, other specialists, such as hematologists or dermatologists, also participate in evaluating the samples, as materials related to their fields, such as blood or skin tissue, also provide important information for diagnosis.

Cell Size and Shape

The size and shape of cancerous cells often show significant deviation from normal cells. While healthy cells generally have a well-defined shape that supports their function, cancerous cells are often abnormally altered. These cells may be smaller or larger than usual, and their shape may also become distorted, leading to a complete loss of normal function.

The anomalies of cancerous cells manifest not only in their size but also in their function. Since cancerous cells cannot perform the functions carried out by healthy cells, the normal functioning of the tissues is compromised. The appearance of abnormal cells is therefore a key factor in the diagnosis of cancer.

During microscopic examinations, pathologists pay particular attention to the shape of the cells, as this property can reveal much about the condition of the cells and possible pathological changes. The arrangement and structure of normal cells also provide clues for diagnosis, as cancerous cells cannot maintain this arrangement and often form distorted masses.

Nucleus Size and Shape

The nucleus is located at the center of the cell and contains the genetic material, DNA. The appearance of the nucleus in cancerous cells typically changes: it is generally larger and darker than the nuclei of normal cells. The size of nuclei can vary widely, which is often a sign of cancerous changes.

The examination of nuclei is particularly important because cancerous cells generally contain an excessive amount of DNA, resulting in darker staining during microscopic observations. This observation helps pathologists identify tumors and determine their nature.

In addition to changes in the appearance of nuclei, the arrangement of the cells must also be considered. Healthy cells are organized normally, while cancerous cells often create abnormal structures that facilitate the spread of the disease and damage surrounding tissues. Therefore, examining the arrangement of nuclei and cells is a crucial step in diagnosing cancer.

Cell Arrangement

The arrangement of normal cells is closely related to the function of the examined tissue. The arrangement and grouping of cells facilitate the functioning of the tissues. For example, glandular cells produce and secrete various substances that play an important role in the proper functioning of the body. In the case of mammary glands, the cells are organized into lobules where milk is produced, while the cells of the stomach lining produce enzymes and acid for food digestion.

However, in the case of cancerous diseases, cancerous cells are unable to form proper structures. The abnormal arrangement of tumor cells results in distorted gland-like structures or simple cell masses that significantly differ from healthy tissues.

The arrangement of cancerous cells is evident not only within the tissue but also in their infiltration into surrounding tissues. The aggressive growth and spread of tumor cells can cause extensive damage compared to normal cells. During microscopic examinations, the behavior exhibited by cancerous cells, such as invasion into neighboring tissues, helps doctors establish a diagnosis, as the location and activity of tumor cells reveal much about the extent of the disease.

Type of Tumor

There are several fundamental types of tumors, which are distinguished based on their microscopic appearance. These tumors can be compared to various normal cells and tissues, which is how they are named. For example, tumors resembling glandular tissue are called adenocarcinomas, while changes resembling bone or fat tissue are classified as osteosarcomas or liposarcomas.

The classification of tumors is not only based on their appearance but also considers how similar the tumor is to normal tissues. Tumors fall into the low-grade category if they closely resemble normal tissues, while high-grade tumors, which do not show similarities to normal cells, are more prone to rapid growth and spread.

Knowing the type and classification of a tumor is crucial for determining treatment options and establishing prognosis. High-grade tumors generally have worse outlooks for patients than low-grade tumors, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.