HISTOPATHOLOGY, BIOPSY, SMALL SPECIMEN

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of tissue removed from the body. When a doctor takes a small piece of tissue — during an endoscopy, a minor surgery or a needle procedure — that specimen is sent to the laboratory, processed into thin sections, stained, and examined under the microscope by a pathologist.

The report describes what the tissue actually shows: whether the change is inflammation, infection, a benign growth, a precancerous change or a cancer — and, if cancer, its type. For many conditions, the biopsy report is the final word on which treatment decisions are based.

When do doctors advise this test?

• A lump, ulcer or abnormal tissue seen during examination, endoscopy or surgery needs a definite diagnosis
• Long-standing inflammation or infection is not settling and the cause is unclear
• Your surgeon has removed tissue (for example during gallbladder, appendix or skin surgery) and routine examination is advised
• A previously diagnosed condition needs confirmation or grading before treatment planning

Preparation & the sample

No preparation or fasting is needed from the patient — the specimen is collected by your treating doctor or surgeon during the procedure and preserved in a formalin container. Make sure the container is labelled and reaches the laboratory along with the doctor's clinical notes or referral form, as the pathologist's reading depends heavily on that context. Call +91 9451155402 to confirm how and where to submit the specimen.

This information is educational and general. Your doctor's advice for your specific situation always comes first.