Laboratory diagnosis of cancer is one of the most challenging part of cancer management. Diagnosis lies at the heart of cancer management and accurate diagnosis is the key to the successful management of cancer. The majority of patients have the diagnosis of cancer confirmed on tissue pathology. An important principle is to obtain diagnostic material via the least invasive approach. The diagnosis of cancer by the least invasive procedure (FNAC or core biopsy) facilitates appropriate staging investigations, planning of the definitive treatment and discussion of these treatment recommendations with the patient and their support person(s). Historically, histopathology and cytopathology have been the main tools utilized in the diagnosis of cancer. For the last couple of decades histopathology remains the gold standard for cancer diagnosis. But now the concept is changing. Current regular evaluation of tumors by immunocytochemistry (IHC) to confirm tumor histogenesis and subtype is promising. Advances in technology, especially our understanding of genomics, proteomics, DNA microarrays, and bioinformatics have led to great expectations about the future of cancer detection, diagnosis, tailored therapy, and surveillance after treatment.

Laboratory diagnosis, Cancer, Histopathology, Cytopathology, molecular diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis of cancer is one of the most changeable part of cancer management. Diagnosis lies at the heart of cancer management and accurate diagnosis is the key to the successful management of cancer. Every year the approach to laboratory diagnosis of cancer becoming more complex, more sophisticated, and more specialized. Every doctor, medical students as well as health related personnel should have at least basic knowledge regarding the laboratory diagnosis of cancer topic.