Anatomical Pathology

Question 1

List 4 indications for specialised organ biopsy

Answer 1

Diagnosing causes of renal syndromes
Diagnosing hepatic disease
Staging chronic hepatitis
Assessing inaccessible LNs, pancreas, soft tissue and bone for various tumours or lesions

Question 2

What is the histological hallmark of mycosis fungoides?

Answer 2

Infiltrate of small lymphocytes in the upper dermis extending up into the epidermis

Question 3

What is polymyositis?

Answer 3

Idiopathic inflammatory disorder of muscle; pts present with pain and weakness

Question 4

What are the 4 steps of tissue processing?

Answer 4

Fixation to stabilise proteins
Dehydration
Clearing to remove alcohol (using xylene)
Infiltration with paraffin

Question 5

What samples are collected for cytological analysis?

Answer 5

Fluids
Cervical pap smears
FNA

Question 6

What is the purpose of hospital autopsies?

Answer 6

Education of medical staff and students

Quality assurance of clinical and imaging diagnosis

Question 7

What do notifiable deaths include?

Answer 7

Where the cause of death is undetermined

Question 8

What details must be included on an autopsy request form?

Answer 8

PMHx

Results of recent investigations