Histopathology

Histopathology Department – National Institute of ENT

The Histopathology Department at the National Institute of ENT provides critical diagnostic services by examining tissue samples to identify disease processes, including infections, inflammation, and malignancies. This department plays a key role in the accurate diagnosis and management of ENT-related disorders, particularly those affecting the head and neck area.

Services and Activities

✅ Cytological Examination

FNAC of swellings on head & neck area for rapid diagnosis of disease processes by minimal invasive procedure

✅ Tissue Sample Examination

• The Histopathology Department processes and examines tissue specimens obtained through biopsy or surgical procedures to identify abnormalities such as benign or malignant growths in the ear, nose, throat, and neck.
• Commonly tested tissues include those from nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, tonsils, oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, thyroid and soft tissues.

✅ Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

• Histopathology plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of cancers affecting the head and neck area, including laryngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and oral cancers.
• The department identifies malignant cells, determines the type of cancer, and helps stage the cancer, assisting ENT surgeons in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

✅ Identification of Inflammatory Conditions

• The department identifies inflammatory conditions that affect the head and neck region, such as chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, and autoimmune diseases.
• By examining tissue samples, pathologists can detect chronic inflammation, infection, or immune responses that impact the ENT system.

✅ Infectious Disease Diagnosis

• Infectious agents such as bacterial, viral, and fungal infections affecting ENT organs are diagnosed through the examination of tissue samples.
• The department identifies pathogens in the tissues of the throat, sinuses, ears, and nasal cavities, providing critical information for effective treatment.

✅ Pre-surgical and Post-surgical Assessment

• Histopathological examination is often performed pre-surgery to determine whether a mass or growth is cancerous or benign, and post-surgery to ensure complete removal of malignant tissues and evaluate surgical margins.
• Pathologists provide detailed reports that guide surgical decisions and postoperative care.

✅ Advanced Staining Techniques

• The department employs advanced staining techniques such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry, and special stains to provide accurate diagnosis of various ENT conditions.
• These methods help in detecting specific cell markers or diseased cells that are not visible with regular staining, enhancing diagnostic precision.

✅ Frozen Section

• The Histopathology Department is equipped to perform frozen section during surgery to give on table diagnosis of malignancy and surgical margin status .

Collaborative Care and Support

The Histopathology Department works in close collaboration with ENT specialists, oncologists, and radiologists to provide critical diagnostic information for the effective management of ENT disorders. The findings from histopathological analyses guide clinical decisions related to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in cancer treatment, as well as antibiotic or anti-inflammatory therapies for infections and inflammations.

Goal of the Histopathology Department

The Histopathology Department at the National Institute of ENT is dedicated to providing accurate and timely tissue-based diagnoses, which are essential in the management of a variety of ENT disorders. By offering expert diagnostic services, the department ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment plans based on precise pathological findings, contributing to better health outcomes and quality of care.