What is meant by histology and pathology?
Histology is the more generalized study of all types of cells using a microscope. Pathologists are the primary doctors who analyze a tumor sample from a biopsy. In a biopsy, a physician removes all or a section of a tumor through surgical means or by using a large bore needle to obtain a sample. The pathologist then analyzes the sample under a microscope and makes the diagnosis for a particular type of cancer such as ACC based upon the shape, structure, framework (stroma), color and growth pattern of the cells. ACC tumors are characterized by a distinctive pattern in which abnormal “nests” or cords of certain cells (epithelial cells) surround and/or infiltrate ducts or glandular structures within the affected organ. These structures are typically filled with a mucus-like material or contain abnormal fibrous membranes (hyaline membranes). Misdiagnosis of ACC can and does occur even with a knowledgeable pathologist. ACC tends to be a “mixed cell type” tumor with complex features and endl
