Introduction to pathology Flashcards
What is pathology?
The scientific study of disease
What are the main branches of pathology?
- Histopathology and cytopathology (Cellular Pathology)
- Neuropathology
- Forensic Pathology
- Paediatric Pathology
- Medical Microbiology
- Virology
- Chemical Pathology
- Haematology
- Immunology
What is histopathology and what is it used for?
- Histopathology involves the macroscopic and microscopic assessment of tissue samples and the provision of clinically relevant and useful reports. Increasingly, molecular tests are incorporated into reports and the discipline may become Cellular and Molecular Pathology in the future.
- Histopathology reports are key items in multi-disciplinary team meetings discussing cancer patients. They must be accurate, helpful and timely in order to provide the
best service for patients. - Some histopathologists also perform autopsies
What is cytopathology and what is it used for?
Cytopathology is similar to histopathology but the specimens consist of disaggregated cells rather than tissue. Cytology allows a rapid diagnosis from a non-invasive or relatively minimally invasive test. Cytopathology specimens include fine needle aspirates, effusions, cervical smears, sputum and urine.
What is neuropathology and what is it used for?
Neuropathology is similar to histopathology but is confined usually to brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscle. Intra-operative diagnosis is common using brain smears and frozen sections. Post-mortem neuropathology allows accurate assessment of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. In recent years neuropathologists have made a significant contribution to the understanding of new variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease.
What is forensic pathology and what is it used for?
Forensic pathologists attend crime scenes, perform autopsies in cases of suspicious death and provide extremely detailed reports that are scrutinised in detail by lawyers looking for opportunities for the defence in murder cases. They may also provide opinions on the living in order to assess injuries.
What is paediatric pathology and what is it used for?
Paediatric pathologists examine histopathology specimens from children e.g. tumours, Hirschprung’s disease. They also undertake foetal, perinatal and paediatric autopsies. Paediatric pathology is particularly important in providing
information to parents and clinicians regarding diagnosis and from that, the likelihood of a future pregnancy having a similar outcome.
What is medical microbiology and virology, and what is it used for?
This is the study of infectious disease in its broadest sense. Microbiologists are based in laboratories but spend a substantial amount of time offering advice in clinical areas such as ITU, haematology, paediatrics. They are also responsible for offering advice on antibiotic usage and they are responsible for infection control.
What is chemical pathology and what is it used for?
Chemical pathologists study disturbances in metabolic processes. They oversee laboratories but also provide clinical services in endocrinology, diabetes, lipidology,
thyroid disease and other areas.
What is haematology and what is it used for?
Haematology is the study of disorders of the blood. Haematologists are responsible for laboratory investigation and clinical management of their patients. It is a demanding but rewarding specialty in which there have been major advances in treatment in recent years. Many haematological
malignancies such as leukaemias are now cured and with an increased understanding of the molecular processes involved, new treatments are being developed.
Haematologists in large departments provide specialised services in transfusion, coagulation, haemoglobinopathies, haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplantation.
What is immunology and what is it used for?
Immunologists study diseases of the immune system. In addition to providing laboratory services, they see patients with a variety of disorders leading to allergy, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. They work closely with a wide range of other specialists such as rheumatologists, respiratory physicians, infectious disease specialists and paediatricians.
