PATHOLOGY: SPECIALTY & DOCTORS WHAT IS PATHOLOGY? Pathology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases by examining samples of cells, tissue, or fluids taken from the body. Microscopic Slides Since diagnosis is such an important part of medicine, most hospitals have an in-house pathology department (laboratory). Pathology departments are staffed by board-certified pathologists and highly-trained, licensed technologists. The analysis of cellular and tissue samples (called "cytopathology" and "surgical pathology") is one of the most important tasks performed in the pathology department, especially with respect to the diagnosis of cancer. Only by examining samples of a suspected tumor under the microscope can the pathologist make a definitive diagnosis of cancer. Although your doctor may suspect cancer based on symptoms, physical findings, or results of blood or x-ray studies, a positive diagnosis of cancer always requires microscopic examination of tissues or cells. This basic fact of cancer diagnosis explains the need for biopsies. THE ROLE OF PATHOLOGISTS Pathologists are the medical doctors who work in and administer pathology departments. They must complete an approved residency training program that lasts for a minimum of five years. Upon completion of this training, pathologists must pass a comprehensive examination to become 'board-certified'. After residency, many pathologists take an additional one to two years of advanced training to become proficient in a pathology subspecialty. To make a diagnosis of cancer, pathologists examine tissue and cytology slides (biopsy samples) under the microscope. Based on established criteria, the pathologist makes a determination as to whether the cells or tissues are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If malignant, the pathologist must specify exactly which of the many types of cancer is present in the biopsy sample. As with any human endeavor, be it medicine, art or sports, it is the reality of the human condition that expertise and skill vary among individuals. Most pathologists are generalists with broad competence in many facets of this specialty. A small number of pathologists-- by virtue of additional training, experience, and research—acquire expertise in selected subspecialty areas. This expertise might focus on cancers of the breast, the lymph nodes, or prostate, to name but a few possibilities. Finally, a select group of these physicians achieve national and international recognition as premier experts. These leaders stand out through their research, publications, teaching, and lectures at major conferences. FindCancerExperts makes these same expert pathologists available to provide second opinions for you. (see Get Second Opinion Now and Our Expert Pathologists) [ Back to top ] [ Home ] We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation. Updated: February 3, 2008 Disclaimers and Disclosures Site Maintained by Checkmate Productions All Rights Reserved © 2008 Academic Oncology Resources, LLC.