ABSTRACT
The localization, assessment, and removal of tumor and/or sus-
picious tissue constitute today the cornerstone of cancer care.
To optimize the diagnosis and resection processes, a precise
identification of tumor tissue and an exact resection of tumor
boundaries are required. Currently the most precise diagnosis is
available through the use of histology slide preparation on excised
tissue or biopsies. The process mainly relies on paraffin embedding
of the fixed biopsy or excised tumor, on its mechanical slicing with
typical thicknesses of 4 or 5 μm, then on staining using contrast
agents for the enhancement of specific tissue and cell structures,
usually hematoxylin for cell nuclei and eosin for supporting tissue
(H&E staining) (Fig. 16.1).
