PATHOLOGY: STUDY OF DISEASES

You might have heard the word, PATHOLOGY. 

BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Simply put, it is THE STUDY OF DISEASES 

The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism

Frontiers in Endocrinology 9. DOI:10.3389/fendo.2018.00737. 

ISSN 1664-2392.

- CC-BY 4.0 licenseAuthorLiVolsi VA and Baloch ZW

licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license

Via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 

Pathology is the scientific study of disease, covering its causes, mechanisms, and the structural and functional changes it causes in the body's cells, tissues, and organs. It is a critical medical field focused on diagnosing disease, often by analyzing bodily fluids and tissues under a microscope and using advanced molecular and genetic techniques. Pathologists play a key role in patient care by providing diagnostic information that guides treatment and helps manage chronic conditions, especially cancer. 

Pathology examines the origin (etiology), development (pathogenesis), and effects of diseases. 

Diagnostic focus: 

It provides crucial diagnostic information to clinicians, with pathologists often making diagnoses for conditions ranging from cancer to chronic diseases. 

Comprehensive approach: 

Pathologists integrate various diagnostic tools, including gross examination, microscopic examination, cytology, and molecular and genetic methods. 

What do pathologists do?

Analyze samples: 

They examine surgical specimens, tissue biopsies, bodily fluids, and sometimes whole bodies (autopsy) to identify abnormalities. 

Diagnose diseases: 

Pathologists are essential for diagnosing cancer and many other diseases by identifying the cellular patterns of disease under a microscope. 

Collaborate with other specialists: 

They work closely with surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists to ensure comprehensive patient care. 

Specialize in areas: 

Pathologists can specialize in various fields, such as hematology (blood diseases), microbiology, or gynecologic pathology. 

Key aspects of pathology:

General Pathology: 

Studies normal cell and tissue function, the body's response to injury, and disease processes like inflammation and cell death. 

Clinical Pathology: 

Focuses on laboratory analysis of bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose and manage diseases. 

Anatomic Pathology: 

Involves the direct examination of tissues and organs to diagnose diseases, particularly through microscopic examination

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