What is Anatomic Pathology?

Anatomic pathology, also known as surgical pathology, is a medical specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the gross, microscopic, biological and molecular examination of organs, tissues, entire bodies and specific body fluids. Anatomic pathologists analyze tissues and cells to help physicians determine the cause and extent of diseases like cancer or infections.

The Role of the Pathologist

Pathologists play a critical role in the diagnosis and management of diseases. When a biopsy or surgery is performed to investigate an abnormality, the tissue specimen is sent to the pathology laboratory where it undergoes a series of examinations and tests. The pathologist first examines the specimen macroscopically with the naked eye and records any abnormal gross findings. Representative samples of the tissue are then processed, embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned and stained to allow microscopic examination.

Using a microscope, the Anatomic Pathology carefully examines the tissue slides to identify any histological (structural) changes at the cellular level. They look for indicators of inflammation, abnormal growths, tissue necrosis, etc. Based on the morphologic findings, immunohistochemical stains and other ancillary tests may be done to assist in distinguishing between different disease types and arriving at a specific diagnosis. The pathologist then issues a final diagnostic report incorporating all examination results which guides patient treatment and prognosis.

Identifying Cancer at the Cellular Level

One of the most important roles of anatomic pathology is cancer diagnosis. When evaluating biopsy specimens, pathologists use histology to detect the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells. Normal cells have an ordered structure and arrangement whereas cancer cells often exhibit physical characteristics of abnormal, uncontrolled growth such as increased size and variation, densely packed irregular shapes and loss of organization.

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