Grossing is the first and most crucial step in histopathology, where tissue specimens are examined, described, and prepared for microscopic analysis. It involves the macroscopic (gross) examination and sectioning of surgical specimens to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Key Steps in Grossing:
Specimen Reception & Identification – Verify patient details and clinical history.
Macroscopic Examination – Describe size, shape, color, consistency, and any visible abnormalities.
Sectioning – Cut representative tissue sections for processing.
Fixation – Place tissue in formalin for preservation.
Inking & Orientation – Apply ink for margin evaluation and proper orientation.
Tissue Submission – Select and place tissue samples into cassettes for further processing.
Importance of Grossing:
Ensures proper diagnosis by selecting the most relevant tissue sections.
Helps pathologists correlate macroscopic findings with microscopic examination.
Provides critical information for staging cancers and evaluating disease progression.