Anatomical pathology

Study of the morphological aspects of disease

Anatomical pathology (also known as morphological pathology) is a medical specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the gross, microscopic, chemical, immunologic, and molecular examination of organs, tissues, and whole bodies (autopsy). Anatomical pathology is one of two branches of pathology, the other being clinical pathology, the diagnosis of disease through the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids and tissues.

Subspecialties

Anatomical pathology is divided into several subspecialties, including:

• Surgical pathology: The examination of tissues removed during surgery to help diagnose a disease and determine a treatment plan.
• Cytopathology: The study of individual cells in disease, often used in cancer diagnosis.
• Forensic pathology: The application of pathology to legal purposes, including the investigation of sudden or unexpected deaths.
• Dermatopathology: The study of skin diseases at a microscopic level.
• Neuropathology: The study of diseases of the nervous system tissue.

Techniques

Anatomical pathology involves a variety of techniques to examine tissues and cells:

• Histopathology: The examination of tissues under a microscope after they have been stained with special dyes.
• Immunohistochemistry: The use of antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue sections.
• In situ hybridization: A technique used to locate specific DNA or RNA sequences in tissue sections.
• Electron microscopy: The use of electron microscopes to examine tissue at very high magnification.

Role in Medicine

Anatomical pathology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of diseases. Pathologists work closely with other physicians to provide a definitive diagnosis, which is essential for determining the appropriate treatment. They also play a key role in cancer diagnosis, grading, and staging, which are critical for patient management.

Education and Training

To become an anatomical pathologist, one must complete medical school followed by a residency in pathology. This is often followed by a fellowship in a subspecialty area. Pathologists must be board certified to practice in many countries.

Related pages

• Pathology
• Histology
• Biopsy
• Autopsy

Gallery

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  An example of anamorphic development in Nemasoma.

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  Breast invasive scirrhous carcinoma histopathology

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  Breast invasive scirrhous carcinoma histopathology HER2 expression

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  Pap test abnormal

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  Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, gross pathology

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  End-stage interstitial lung disease (honeycomb lung)

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  Villous adenoma of the sigmoid colon, gross pathology