What is the primary histopathological technique used for preparing tumor samples?

The primary histopathological technique used for preparing tumor samples is sectioning and staining. This method involves several critical steps that allow for the microscopic examination of tissue architecture and cellular characteristics, which are essential for diagnosing and classifying tumors.

Initially, tumor samples are taken and fixed to preserve the cellular structure, typically using formalin. Once fixed, the tissue is embedded in paraffin wax, which provides support for thin slices to be cut using a microtome. These slices, or sections, are usually around 4-5 micrometers thick, allowing for detailed examination under a microscope.

After sectioning, the next crucial step is staining. Various staining techniques, such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), differentiate cellular components, highlighting nuclei and cytoplasm to allow for better visualization of the tissue architecture. This combination of sectioning and staining is fundamental because it provides the histopathologist with detailed information about the sample's histology, enabling accurate diagnosis.

Other methods like freeze cryotomy can be used in specific situations, such as for rapid on-site evaluations during surgery, but they are not the primary techniques used for standard histopathological evaluations. Light microscopy serves as the tool for examining stained sections, and cell culture testing