Preparation of tissue for microscopic examination. The tissue is soaked in formaldehyde, processed in various chemicals, surrounded by a block of wax, sliced very thin, attached to a microscope slide and stained. This usually takes 1-2 days. It provides a clear view of the specimen so that the presence or absence of cancer can be determined. ( See also frozen section).

Preparation of tissue for microscopic examination. The tissue is soaked for up to 12 hours in formaldehyde, processed in various chemicals overnight, then sliced very thin and stained. It provides clear definition of the specimen so that the presence or absence of cancer can be determined. ( See also frozen section.)

Thin slices of biopsy tissue that are mounted on slides and looked at under a microscope. A permanent section takes several days to prepare. It tells doctors if the tissue is cancer, the type of cancer it is, and other information that helps to plan treatment.