What is Anatomical Pathology?
Anatomical pathology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing diseases by examining tissues and organs. When doctors suspect a disease, such as cancer, they often take a small sample of tissue, called a biopsy, or remove a whole organ during surgery. These samples are sent to an anatomical pathologist, who is a doctor trained to look at tissues under a microscope.
The pathologist studies the structure, appearance, and patterns within the tissue to identify abnormalities. This examination can reveal the presence of diseases like infections, cancers, or inflammatory conditions. By understanding what’s happening at a microscopic level, the pathologist can provide a precise diagnosis, which helps the treating doctors to decide on the best course of treatment.
In addition to diagnosing diseases, anatomical pathologists also perform autopsies. During an autopsy, they examine the body of someone who has died to determine the cause of death. This can provide valuable information for families and help improve medical knowledge and public health.
Tissue samples are collected through biopsies, surgical procedures, or autopsies. Samples are preserved, embedded in wax, sliced into thin sections, and stained for examination. Pathologists examine stained slides under a microscope to look for abnormalities.
Pathologists detect signs of diseases, such as abnormal cell structures and tissue organization. They determine if a growth is benign or malignant, identify the disease type, and, for cancers, assess the grade and stage. Techniques like immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology help identify specific disease markers and genetic conditions.
Anatomical pathologist provides a detailed description of the findings and the diagnosis. The diagnosis helps doctors decide on the best treatment options for the patient.
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