Establishing a definitive diagnosis and assigning a treatment program in oncology is impossible without conducting a histological analysis of the material obtained during a biopsy or surgical intervention. Selecting effective therapeutic methods requires a comprehensive and accurate assessment of pathological changes, and a second opinion is extremely important not only for confirming the initial diagnosis but also for forming as complete a picture as possible of the patient's condition. Histology revision in Israel is conducted by highly qualified pathologists using the latest equipment, ensuring the detection of even the slightest pathologies and the prompt acquisition of the most accurate results.
Specialists involved in the re-evaluation of histology in Israeli clinics possess international qualifications, and the results of their studies are recognized worldwide. In cases of revision of analyses conducted in the former CIS countries, more than a third of patients have their previous results disproven. In cases of suspected cancer, an erroneous diagnosis leads to inadequate and ineffective treatment, which means a loss of precious time and can be fatal for the patient. At Top Ichilov Clinic, as in most Israeli medical centers, a histology re-evaluation service is available for foreign patients at home. An important fact is the moderate cost of the study compared to prices in the USA and Western Europe.
Who Needs Histology Revision and in What Cases
According to unofficial statistics from Israeli specialists, about 35-40% of diagnoses made in the former CIS countries based on the results of diagnostic examinations, including biopsies, turn out to be incorrect. Many patients suffer from the appointment of incorrect treatment.
A second opinion — histology revision is primarily indicated for cancer patients, as the chances of successful treatment are high only with timely detection of a malignant process. Re-evaluation of material obtained during a biopsy is also necessary for:
- accurate determination of the malignant or benign nature of the neoplasm, required for differential diagnosis;
- establishing the histotype of the neoplasm, which is necessary for selecting effective chemotherapy drugs, determining the aggressiveness of the tumour, and assessing disease prognosis;
- evaluating the necessity of surgical treatment, determining the method and extent of surgical intervention, and the possibility of replacing surgery with another therapeutic method.
Interpreting Histological Analysis Results in Oncology Practice
Correctly conducting a biopsy and subsequent histological analysis of the obtained pathological tissues is extremely important in cases of suspected cancer. Without laboratory determination of the nature of the tumour, its histotype, and aggressiveness, it is impossible to accurately establish a definitive diagnosis and select the most effective comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. As a result of an erroneous diagnosis and, consequently, the appointment of incorrect therapy, the patient may develop serious complications that significantly worsen the prognosis.
Frequent diagnostic errors in patients from former CIS countries are explained by the insufficient qualifications and accuracy of specialists, as well as the low quality of laboratory equipment. This is why many foreign patients find it extremely desirable to have their histology and biopsy re-evaluated in Israel. Pathologists at Top Ichilov Clinic are professionally skilled in the necessary laboratory techniques, and the analysis is conducted using state-of-the-art equipment.
When seeking a second opinion at Ichilov Clinic, patients can expect high-quality execution of the following procedures:
- histology re-evaluation;
- conducting molecular genetic diagnostic testing;
- interpreting the results of the initial histological analysis;
- providing a second opinion regarding histology and other issues related to cancer.
How to Order Histology Revision from Home
To order a revision of the histological analysis results conducted in their home country, the patient needs to do the following:
- obtain the biopsy materials (slides, paraffin blocks) and the pathologist's report;
- submit a request for histology revision on the clinic's website;
- wait for a call from the medical center administrator to discuss a suitable time for the courier to pick up the prepared material for sending to the Israeli clinic;
- the material will be examined in Israel for about a week;
- the final stage consists of the courier delivering the previously sent material of the histological study back to the patient, while the pathologists' reports are sent to the email address provided when submitting the request on the website. The report contains the results of the study and the specialist's recommendations.
To provide quality material, the patient needs to know the allowable storage periods for various samples:
- slides for cytological examination — 5 years;
- slides for histopathological analysis — 10 years;
- paraffin blocks — 2 years.
To discuss the results of the histological analysis in detail and receive a more complete list of treatment recommendations, it is possible to order a remote video consultation via Skype with an Israeli oncologist.
How Much Does Histology Re-evaluation Cost
The payment amount depends on the diagnostic method used, the volume of the material being examined, and some other factors, particularly the patient's location. In Israel, the cost of the service is on average 25-30% lower than in Western European and American clinics.
Advantages of Conducting Histology Revision at Ichilov Clinic
- State-of-the-art equipment that allows for the most accurate analysis even at the earliest stages of the disease.
- High level of qualification and experience of specialists.
- Prompt conduct of repeat examinations.
- The possibility to re-evaluate histology without coming to Israel.
- Affordable prices.