Histopathological Examination
A histopathological examination involves microscopic assessment of tissue collected during a procedure by an independent pathologist. It is the only way to reliably determine the nature of a lesion — whether it is benign, suspicious or requires further treatment. At the clinic, tissue is routinely secured for examination whenever tissue of unknown or suspicious nature is excised.
| Histopathological examination | PLN 200 |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | additional cost* |
| Result | usually after several days to a few weeks |
| Performed by | an independent pathologist |
* The decision to perform IHC is made by the pathologist — details below.
additional IHC cost may apply
assessment by a pathologist
specimens from various procedures
Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
What is a histopathological examination?
A histopathological examination is a microscopic assessment of tissue collected during a procedure. The sample is fixed, embedded in paraffin, cut into thin sections, stained and then examined under a microscope by a pathologist — a specialist in tissue assessment. The result includes a microscopic description and a diagnosis of the nature of the lesion.
The examination is routinely ordered whenever a lesion of unknown or suspicious nature is excised. It is the only way to reliably confirm whether a lesion is benign or requires further management, including oncological treatment.
Important: histopathology is a supplementary examination performed after the procedure. The result is not available on the day of surgery. The waiting time is usually several days to a few weeks, depending on the laboratory and complexity of the case. The doctor discusses the result during a follow-up appointment.
What specimens are examined histopathologically?
Tissue collected during various procedures performed at the clinic may be sent for histopathological examination. The most common specimen types include:
Skin and subcutaneous lesions
- Epidermoid cysts — these contain sebaceous material and a characteristic capsule; the examination confirms their benign nature and excludes rare malignant lesions originating from skin appendages.
- Lipomas — fatty tumours located beneath the skin or in deeper tissue layers; the examination distinguishes a benign lipoma from liposarcoma, which is rare but possible, particularly in larger lesions.
- Fibromas and other connective tissue tumours — confirmation of their nature and exclusion of malignant connective tissue lesions.
- Warts, pigmented naevi and other pigmented lesions — assessment of histological features and exclusion of melanoma or dysplastic lesions.
- Any lesion with an ambiguous clinical appearance — when the appearance alone does not allow a reliable diagnosis without microscopic examination.
Specimens from proctological procedures
- Anodermal folds and perianal skin tags — tissue excised during proctological procedures in this area is routinely sent for histopathological assessment because lesions that appear clinically benign may occasionally have a different nature.
- External nodules and tissue from haemorrhoidectomy — removed haemorrhoidal tissue is examined to exclude neoplastic lesions of the anal region.
- Rectal polyps — assessment of the degree of dysplasia and the type of polyp is essential for further management and decisions regarding endoscopic follow-up.
- Specimens from anal fistulas — the fistula wall may be sent for histopathological assessment, particularly in recurrent or atypical cases.
Abscess specimens — culture and histopathology
When an abscess is incised and drained, laboratory management may involve two separate specimens sent for different examinations:
- Microbiological culture (abscess contents) — purulent material is sent for microbiological examination to identify microorganisms and determine their antibiotic sensitivity. This examination answers the question: “What caused the infection and how should it be treated?”
- Histopathological examination (abscess wall) — in justified cases, the abscess wall may be sent for histopathological assessment, particularly when a granulomatous process, tuberculosis or a neoplastic background to a recurrent abscess is suspected. The surgeon decides whether such an examination is indicated.
Culture and histopathology — different examinations, different questions: a culture identifies microorganisms, while histopathology determines the nature of the tissue. In abscess cases, both tests, one of them or neither may be ordered depending on the clinical findings and the surgeon’s decision.
Immunohistochemistry — when and why?
Standard histopathological examination is based on H&E staining, using haematoxylin and eosin. In most cases, this is sufficient. However, after reviewing the standard preparation, the pathologist may order a supplementary immunohistochemical examination (IHC).
What does IHC involve? Antibodies directed against specific proteins are applied to tissue sections. This makes it possible to identify markers that cannot be seen with standard staining — for example, to confirm the type of cancer, determine hormone receptor status, establish the cell lineage or distinguish between lesions with a similar microscopic appearance.
The most common indications for IHC include:
- differentiating between similar tumour types when the H&E appearance is inconclusive,
- assessing malignancy or the stage of a lesion,
- determining receptor status relevant to treatment planning,
- identifying the primary tissue when metastasis is suspected.
The decision to order IHC is made exclusively by the pathologist — a laboratory specialist who is independent of the clinic and surgeon. Neither the clinic nor the operating doctor can influence this decision. The cost of IHC is additional and varies depending on the number and type of antibodies used. By agreeing to histopathological examination, the patient acknowledges that the pathologist may order IHC in medically justified cases. The clinic informs the patient of any additional cost after receiving notification from the laboratory.
How is a histopathological examination performed?
The surgeon collects tissue during the procedure and immediately fixes it in formalin. The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory.
The tissue is embedded in paraffin, cut into sections and stained, most commonly using the H&E method.
The specialist assesses the preparation under a microscope. If necessary, immunohistochemistry (IHC) is ordered as a supplementary examination.
The result, usually available after several days to a few weeks, is sent to the clinic. The doctor discusses it with the patient and, if necessary, plans further management.
Clinic surgeons
The histopathological examination is ordered by the doctor who performed the procedure. The specimen is then sent to an independent pathology laboratory.
A surgeon and surgical oncologist with more than 25 years of experience. ★ 5.0 — nearly 900 reviews on ZnanyLekarz.
A surgical oncologist specialising in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of skin lesions.
A surgeon experienced in outpatient surgical and proctological procedures.
Do you have a question about the examination or procedure?
Book a surgical consultation. The doctor will assess the indications, explain the scope of the examination and answer questions about the results.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a histopathological examination cost?
A standard histopathological examination costs PLN 200. In justified cases, the pathologist may order supplementary immunohistochemistry (IHC), which involves an additional and variable cost. The clinic informs the patient of any IHC cost after receiving information from the laboratory.
When will I receive the result?
The waiting time depends on the laboratory and complexity of the case and is usually several days to a few weeks. If IHC is ordered, the waiting time may be longer. The result is discussed by the doctor during a follow-up appointment or by telephone.
Is histopathology performed after every procedure?
The examination is routinely ordered when lesions of unknown or suspicious nature are excised. The surgeon decides whether to order the examination. In the great majority of such procedures, it is standard practice.
What is the difference between histopathology and a culture?
Histopathology is a microscopic assessment of tissue by a pathologist and determines the nature and type of lesion. A microbiological culture identifies microorganisms present in the specimen, such as abscess contents, and determines their antibiotic sensitivity. These are separate tests performed by different laboratories.
What is immunohistochemistry and who orders it?
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is supplementary tissue staining using antibodies. It is used when the standard preparation does not provide a conclusive answer. The decision is made exclusively by the pathologist after assessing the standard preparation. Neither the clinic nor the surgeon can influence this decision.
Are specimens from proctological procedures also sent for histopathology?
Yes. Specimens from proctological procedures, including anodermal folds, external nodules, polyps and fistula samples, are routinely sent for histopathological assessment. Lesions that appear clinically benign may occasionally require microscopic verification.
What does a concerning histopathology result mean?
If the result identifies a lesion that requires further treatment, the doctor discusses the management plan with the patient. This may involve widening the surgical margin, referral to an oncologist or additional diagnostics. Early verification of the lesion allows appropriate treatment to begin sooner.
Related clinic services
Surgical procedure — scope, course, doctors and prices.
Details →Non-invasive assessment of skin lesions before deciding on a procedure.
Details →Collection of a tissue sample for diagnostic assessment.
Details →Proctological procedures — haemorrhoids, fistulas and fissures.
Details →Assessment of indications, eligibility for treatment and discussion of results.
Details →Histopathological examination — Gdańsk
Examination cost: PLN 200. Procedures and examination orders: Piotr Rak, MD, PhD; Dr Iwona Chruścicka; Kamil Smok, MD.
The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical consultation. A standard histopathological examination costs PLN 200. In medically justified cases, the pathologist may order immunohistochemistry (IHC). This decision is independent of the clinic and may involve an additional cost. The decision to order a microbiological culture is made by the doctor. Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, 15 Toruńska Street, unit AU1, Gdańsk. Tel.: 600 006 913.