Hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status evaluation on ThinPrep specimens from breast carcinoma: correlation with histologic sections determination.

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a well-accepted procedure for the diagnosis and biological characterization of breast carcinoma. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status have a strong prognostic and predictive value in invasive breast carcinoma (IBC). ThinPrep (TP) cytology, which uses an alcohol-based fixative, is increasingly being used for immunocytochemistry.

Transnational telepathology consultations using a basic digital microscope: experience in the Italy-Slovenjia INTERREG project "patient without borders".

Background: In recent years, a number of technological advancements started to modify the long standing appearance and functionalities of traditional optical microscopes used in Pathology and other medical fields. In fact, at present many new tools for microscopical visualization exist that are based on digital imaging, robotization, and remote communication. Such tools are typically adopted in activities ranging from education to telediagnosis to remote consultation.