Hi, Texsun -
I'm glad to hear that the pathologist is being thorough. Different tissues react differently to different testing agents, whose names are long and probably in Latin. "Special stain" seems like a shorthand, and it's easier to say than a chemical name.
Many here have experienced the "don't worry" opinion, but you are being vigilant and proactive, and your doctors haven't denied you a biopsy. Not knowing is worse than knowing, but some results don't come quickly. I had two biopsies. The second was studied twice, and it took two weeks to get the second set of results. The wait was terrible, but doctors can't rush the process, just as you can't rush the 24 hours it takes to cycle through a day; although, some days seem longer than others.

Marlene

Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!