Pathology - Gross Descriptions and Diagnoses Flashcards
Describe a Morphological Diagnosis (MDx).
It interprets the description and makes subjective conclusions. (i.e. Description: Encapsulated mass filled with thick, yellow fluid. MDx: Abscess)
Why might you only see darker red colors indicative of hemorrhage even if necrosis is also occurring?
Dark colors mask lighter colors, so the red color of hemorrhage will often overpower the lighter color of necrosis, but know that both may still be present.
Describe Edema in your own words.
Swollen, gelatinous, wet are good descriptive terms to use.
Describe Necrosis in your own words.
Pale, dry, soft, sunken surface are good descriptive terms to use.
Why is it a good idea to fully describe lesions, rather than just come up with a MDx?
1) It helps you think through what the lesion is and what may have caused it.
2) It should be part of your medical record, that you or others can go back to for details.
3) It give the lab or pathologist a great deal of information to work with.
What are the three best ways to record descriptions of tissue while doing a necropsy? (Remember, you will be wearing gloves and have your hands in the tissue!)
1) Have a “Clean Person” or assistant who will record your words.
2) Use digital images whenever possible, to revisit what you saw as needed.
3) Use a small personal recorder in a ziplock bag.
(It is not recommended to use your memory alone)
Why is it important to review your necropsy findings before you leave the property and submit them to a laboratory?
1) To prevent submission of an incomplete set of samples (ex. Neurologic Disease with no CNS tissue submitted)
2) You only get one chance with this carcass. Get the most out of it, as you cannot revisit it later.
What are the important features to include in a Description?
Hint: No SLo DiSCo CoMas
Number, Size, Location, Distribution, Shape, Color, Consistency, and Margins/Surface.
List some ways to describe the size of a lesion.
1) Give an actual measurement in metric units (cm, L, kg) (i.e. 2cm mass)
2) Use approximations and then convert into metric units (know the width of your fingers and use as an approximation)
3) Can use subjective terms like enlarged or thickened, with a modifier for clarity. (i.e. the spleen is enlarged two times the normal size)
List some ways to describe the location of a lesion. (Be as specific as you can)
Ex. The Cortex of the Left Kidney (not just “The Kidney”).
Ex. Epidermal lesion of the Right Lateral Cervical region, 4cm caudal to the base of the ear. (not just “Skin lesion of the Neck)”
Use relative position whenever possible: Cranial to, caudal to, ventral to, etc…
List some terms used to describe the distribution (pattern and extent) of a lesion.
1) Focal - One isolated lesion
2) Multifocal - Numerous similar lesions, maybe of variable size
3) Diffuse - Throughout a large portion of the effected tissue
4) Locally extensive
5) Symmetrical or asymmetrical
What does the term “Miliary” mean?
Miliary is a type of Multifocal where there are numerous pin-point foci.
What is the difference between an Ascending and a Descending route of spread?
In Ascending it is coming from an area past the organ and moves back or up toward the organ. (Ex. In the kidney, it travels up from the urine and affects the Medulla first)
In Descending it is coming from the blood that is supplying the organ. (Ex. In the kidney, it travels through the blood supply and affects the Cortex first)
What does a bilaterally symmetrical lesion imply?
This implies that the lesion has a systemic or metabolic etiology. (From the blood supply)
What does a Geometric-shaped lesion indicate?
Geometric lesions (triangular, diamond, wedge, rhomboid, circular, etc) indicate that the lesion involves vasculature.
What does a lesion in the shape of a straight line indicate?
A straight line indicates that the lesion is following an anatomical structure, i.e blood vessel, bronchiole, nerve, etc.
What does a raised lesion indicate?
A raised lesion indicates that something has been added. Can be seen in the forms of blood, fluid (edema), inflammatory cells, neoplastic cells, etc.
What does a depressed lesion indicate?
A depressed lesion indicates that something has been lost (necrosis) or tissue has contracted (connective tissue)
What are the important features that should be included in a Morphological Diagnosis (MDx)?
1) Organ
2) Pathological Process
3) Distribution
4) Chronicity
5) Severity
(3-5 are not needed when dealing with disorders of growth)
What are the FIVE Pathological Processes, of which you must choose only one to describe your MDx?
1) Degeneration/Necrosis
2) Inflammation and Repair
3) Circulatory Disorders
4) Disorders of Growth (neoplasia, adaptations, developmental malformations)
5) Deposits and Pigments
Name a few additional modifiers for Inflammatory Lesions.
Catarrhal, Fibrinous, Suppurative, (Pyo-)Granulomatous, Proliferative, Hemorrhagic, Ulcerative, Necrotizing, Eosinophilic, & Lymphocytic.
What are the important features that should be included in an Etiologic Diagnosis (EtDx)?
1) Cause
2) Organ
3) Pathological Process
All should be described in just two words. (Ex. Poxviral dermatitis)
