Electron microscopy in tumor diagnosis: Indications for its use in the immunohistochemical era

The electron microscope reveals much more information on tumor cell structu re than can be obtained with the light microscope, and some of the data are useful in diagnostic studies. In this review, major contributions of elect ron microscopy in the main tumor categories are discussed. To select betwee n immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, the probable contributions o f each in the context of the particular case must be assessed. Usually, ele ctron microscopy will only be requested after a battery of immunostaining p rocedures has been performed and found to be insufficient, but there are oc casions when ulstrastructural study is logically the first choice after rou tine light microscopy. It is worth taking tissue for possible electron micr oscopy from any tumor that is known or anticipated to be a diagnostic probl em. HUM PATHOL 29:1403-1411. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.