Diagnostic applications of scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis in pathology

Microanalytical technology developed within the last decade provides important information in diagnostic pathology. Scanning electron microscopy, including backscattered electron imaging and energy dispersive X-ray analysis should become at least as valuable as polarized light microscopy, histochemistry and conventional transmission electron microscopy. Other as yet less available techniques such as the ion microprobe and laser Raman microprobe are also valuable. The pathologist should consider the use of microanalytic techniques in any disease process in which endogenous or exogenous materials may be present in the tissues, in the same manner in which one would perform stains for microorganisms. Cases are presented illustrating the tissue preparation and results of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis in diagnosis.