The next procedure after a biopsy is that the tissue sample is delivered to a pathologist.
Detailed Explanation:
After a biopsy is performed and a tissue sample is collected, several steps are taken to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. These steps primarily involve the pathologist and laboratory analysis.
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Tissue Preservation: Immediately after the biopsy, the tissue sample is preserved. This often involves placing the sample in a fixative solution like formalin to prevent decomposition and maintain its structure for analysis.
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Delivery to Pathologist: The preserved tissue sample is then delivered to a pathologist. A pathologist is a specialized doctor who examines body tissues and fluids to diagnose diseases.
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Pathological Examination: The pathologist prepares the tissue sample for microscopic examination. This typically involves:
- Processing: The tissue undergoes a process where it is dehydrated, embedded in paraffin wax, and sliced into very thin sections.
- Staining: The sections are stained with special dyes to highlight different cellular components and structures, making them easier to visualize under a microscope.
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Microscopic Analysis: The pathologist examines the stained tissue sections under a microscope. They look for any abnormalities in cell structure, arrangement, or other features that could indicate disease.
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Diagnosis: Based on the microscopic examination, the pathologist makes a diagnosis. This diagnosis is a critical part of determining the appropriate treatment plan.
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Report Generation: The pathologist then prepares a pathology report summarizing their findings, including the diagnosis, any relevant observations, and other information that may be helpful to the referring physician.
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Communication of Results: The pathology report is sent to the doctor who ordered the biopsy. This doctor will then discuss the results with the patient and determine the next steps in their care.
In some instances, if the sample is very straightforward, the doctor who took the sample may be able to make a diagnosis immediately. However, the majority of biopsies require a pathologist's expertise.
