The story of a biopsy

How pathologists provide critical information from surgery to diagnosis

Step 1: As surgeons remove tissue from a suspected tumor, pathologists and their staff are standing by to provide rapid feedback.

Step 2: The pathologist takes the tissue sample to the pathology lab

Step 3: The pathologist chooses a piece of tissue and prepares it for microscopic examination.

Step 4: After a histology technician freezes the tissue, cuts thin slices and stains them on slides, pathologists carefully review the tissue under a microscope.

Step 5: While the patient is still on the table, the results are delivered to the surgery suite.