Scanning electron microscopy

Our plain-English summary of Scanning electron microscopy, by K.E. Carr, P.G. Toner, K.M. Saleh (Histopathology, 1982).

The study

• Authors: K.E. Carr, P.G. Toner, K.M. Saleh
• Journal: Histopathology
• Published: 1982;6(1):3-24
• Type of article: Review
• Cited by: 9 articles, as counted by NIH iCite
• Read it: PubMed · Publisher

Abstract

The technology of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described in brief. Its application to the study of cell and tissue structure is demonstrated and the evolution of the concept of "topographical histology" is discussed. Some current literature on the application of SEM is reviewed under the headings of experimental pathology and human pathology. While SEM has become an indispensable technique for the experimental morphologist, its application to diagnostic pathology and cytology is still at an early exploratory stage.

In plain English

This was an invited review, published in 1982, of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a technique giving images that convey the three-dimensional relationships of cells and tissues. It was not a study of asbestos, and asbestos is not mentioned anywhere in the article. The authors described how SEM instruments work and how samples are prepared, then discussed selected published studies in experimental and human pathology. They stated that the review covered only a fraction of the relevant references. Citing other researchers' work, the authors noted that SEM combined with other imaging modes and X-ray microanalysis can identify particulate substances causing lung disease. They showed images of cell clusters from a pleural mesothelioma in fluid, taken by both SEM and conventional (transmission) electron microscopy, and noted that comparing the two gave a fuller picture than either alone. They called SEM of only limited diagnostic value in cytology, reporting one group's claim to distinguish atypical mesothelial cells from malignant cells in effusions. The authors concluded that in human pathology SEM offers limited diagnostic assistance, particularly where microanalysis can be used.

We wrote this plain-English summary from the full article with the help of AI, and a second AI model checked each sentence against the article. It is not the authors' wording; the abstract and the article are their own account.

What the study did and found

• Design: Invited review of scanning electron microscopy techniques and selected published applications
• Who was studied: No study population. The authors reviewed selected published SEM studies in experimental and human pathology.
• Exposure: Not applicable. The review does not study any exposure and does not mention asbestos.
• Main results:
  • Citing other studies, the authors stated that combining secondary electron imaging, back-scattered electron imaging and microanalysis can identify particulate substances causing lung disease.
  • The authors illustrated cell clusters from a pleural mesothelioma in an effusion by SEM and transmission electron microscopy, and stated that comparing the two gives a fuller picture than either technique alone.
  • In diagnostic cytology, the authors described SEM as of only limited diagnostic value.
  • The authors reported that another group (Gondos, Lai & King 1979) claimed microvillous criteria that help distinguish atypical mesothelial cells from malignant cells in effusions.
  • The authors noted that another study (Dionne & Wang 1977) examined tumours of the lungs and pleura by SEM and outlined criteria for recognising and possibly distinguishing the major types.
  • The authors stated that few of the many reported SEM studies of human disease offer practical help to the diagnostic pathologist.
• The authors' conclusion: The authors concluded that in human pathology, SEM adds insight into certain conditions and offers limited diagnostic assistance, particularly where microanalysis can be used.
• Limitations the authors state:
  • The authors stated that the review covered only a fraction of the relevant references, in only a few areas of application.

Topics

The National Library of Medicine indexes this study under subjects our site covers: Mesothelioma.

Medical terms in this study, explained in our Lexicon: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Histology, Pathology, Cytology.

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