What is done with the tissue removed during a mastectomy?
After the breast tissue is removed during a mastectomy, it undergoes several steps for evaluation and processing:
1. Pathological Examination: The removed tissue, which includes the breast tissue and surrounding lymph nodes, is sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. A pathologist will thoroughly analyze the tissue to determine:
- Whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast
- The type of breast cancer
- The size, location, and characteristics of the tumor
- The stage of the cancer
2. Freezing: The tissue is then frozen in a process known as snap-freezing using liquid nitrogen. This preservation technique helps maintain the integrity and structure of the tissue for future testing or research purposes.
3. Tissue Processing: The frozen tissue is cut into thin slices (sections) using a cryostat, which is a special instrument that keeps the tissue cold and prevents damage.
4. Staining: The tissue sections are stained using different dyes to highlight specific structures and components within the cells. Common staining techniques include Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, which differentiates cellular components. This step enables pathologists to visualize and study the microscopic features of the tissue.
5. Microscopy and Interpretation: Pathologists examine the stained tissue sections using a microscope to assess the overall tissue architecture, any abnormal cell growth, and the presence or absence of cancer. This evaluation helps in determining the final diagnosis and guiding further treatment decisions.
6. Additional Testing: In some cases, additional tests may be performed on the mastectomy tissue. These may include immunohistochemistry, where antibodies are used to identify specific proteins or genetic mutations associated with cancer development and growth. Molecular testing, such as gene expression profiling, can also be performed to assess the genetic characteristics of the tumor and predict response to certain treatments.
The removed breast tissue becomes part of the patient's medical records and may be stored by the pathology laboratory for future reference, quality assurance, or if additional testing is needed in the future. The management of the tissue follows strict ethical guidelines and institutional protocols to ensure privacy, confidentiality, and proper handling of patient specimens.