Pathology 1: role of pathologist and functional histology Flashcards
What is pathology?
- Pathology = the study of disease
What is the difference between a histopathologist and a cytopathologist?
- Histology = the study of tissue and histopathologists study diseases in tissue biopsies, usually using a light microscope
- Cytology = the study of cells and cytopathologists study cells from fluids scrapings/brushings or from fine needle aspirates
How do you distinguish a benign cell from a malignant cell?
- Malignant cells have high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, irregular nuclear membranes and an irregular distribution of chromatin within the nucleus
- Benign cells have low nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, smooth nuclear membranes and evenly distributed chromatin
Into what medium do you place a biopsy for histopathological assessment?
- Tissue biopsies are placed in formalin (a mixture of formaldehyde and saline)
What happens to tissue if you do not do place it in formalin?
- The tissue will rot and will not be able to be examined
- Formalin crosslinks proteins within the tissue stopping its breakdown
What is the stain used most commonly in histopathology?
- H+E (Haematoxylin and Eosin)
- Haematoxylin stains nuclei blue and eosin stains cytoplasm pink
Which cell produces collagen which makes some tumours feel hard on palpation?
- Fibroblasts produce collagen around tumours
- Collagen is a protein which makes tumours and scar tissue hard to palpation
What is the difference between a transudate and an exudate?
- Transudate = a fluid which is low in protein (eg. a pleural effusion caused by heart failure)
- Exudate = a fluid which is high in protein (eg. an effusion caused by infection or malignancy)
What is an adenocarcinoma?
- Adenocarcinoma = a malignant epithelial tumour showing gland formation (glandular differentiation)
What is immunohistochemistry?
- Immunohistochemistry is the application of labelled antibodies to tissue slides in order to detect the presence of certain antigens of interest within the nucleus, cytoplasm or membranes of cells.
- This technique is used to tell pathologists where a tumour has come from or the cell type which is present or what receptors a tumour is expressing.
Role of pathologist quiz Q1…
Answer: cytopathologist
Role of pathologist quiz Q2…
Answer: radiologist, surgeon, clinical nurse specialist, pathologist
Role of pathologist quiz Q3…
Answer: False
Role of pathologist quiz Q4…
Answer: Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H+E)
Role of pathologist quiz Q5…
Answer: image shows correct matches
Role of pathologist quiz Q6…
Answer: third option