For us in histology, normal tissue identification is typically an easy process.  As histologists, we were once required to identify all normal tissues by H&E under the microscope.

For abnormal tissue however, an H&E stained slide can be very difficult to identify tissue type and diagnosis.  That’s why when a pathologist orders multiple stains on one tissue, they are trying to get a larger picture to understand its etiology.

To help in understanding, here are 3 stains on the same tissue, H&E, SMA, & CD8 at 4x & 10x.  This is human tissue.  Can you identify this tissue and its diagnosis?

 

I’ll give you choices.

A. Lung – Spindle cell carcinoma

B. Liver – Cirrhosis

C. Colon – Adenocarcinoma

D. Heart – Myocardial fibrosis