Which combination of techniques can be used to identify myeloma cells in tissue specimens?

• A. Histology and electron microscopy
• B. Immunohistochemistry and cytology stains
• C. Flow cytometry and DNA sequencing
• D. Gene expression profiling and imaging

Answer: (B)

The use of immunohistochemistry alongside cytological stains is particularly effective for identifying myeloma cells in tissue specimens. Immunohistochemistry utilizes antibodies that are specifically designed to bind to antigens present on the surface of myeloma cells, allowing for the visualization and differentiation of these cells within the complex environment of the tissue. This technique can provide crucial information regarding the type of proteins expressed by the myeloma cells, which aids in confirming the diagnosis.

Cytology stains, such as Wright's stain or Giemsa stain, further enhance the ability to visualize the cellular morphology of these cells. Myeloma cells typically exhibit unique characteristics, such as an increase in basophilic cytoplasm and distinctive nuclear features, which can be effectively highlighted through these stains.

The combination of these two techniques allows for a comprehensive analysis, enabling pathologists to confirm the presence of myeloma cells accurately and assess their characteristics in tissue samples. This makes the combination of immunohistochemistry and cytology stains a practical and efficient approach for identifying myeloma within biopsy specimens.