The Histological Examination

The histological examination corresponds to the tissue examination.

The tissue sampling performed on a patient is the result of a clinical decision. Any biopsy or ablation piece has to be analyzed.

The lesion macroscopic description is the first step, followed by a microscopic analysis; this is the standard histopathological examination. If required, the microscopic examination is then performed with more innovative analyses to determine the lesion prognosis (immunohistochemistry, molecular biology techniques).

The use of these techniques complies with the rules of good professional practice and Quality Assurance.

A report is made by the pathologist.

The most common and demonstrative field of application is the study of tumor lesions in cancerology, in order to define these lesions and evaluate their evolutionary potential.

In any case, the histopathological examination is the first step in the care pathway of patients. The histopathological examination is compared with clinical and biological data.

The Cytological Examination

The cytological examination corresponds to the cell examination.

Cells are collected by smear, puncture, suction or straight extraction of biological fluids.

In cervical cancer screening, cells are collected by smear; it is known as the uterine cervical smear.

The cytological sample is processed for the preparation of stained slides, composed of a thin cellular layer. The cells are analyzed under the microscope by pathologists.

Additional techniques can be performed (HPV viral DNA testing, Ki67/p16 dual immunostaining).