Pathology is the medical specialty concerned with the study of the nature and causes of diseases. It underpins every aspect of medicine, from diagnostic testing and monitoring of chronic diseases to cutting-edge genetic research and blood transfusion technologies. Pathology is integral to the diagnosis of every cancer.
- taking a tissue sample from the surface of the skin
- using a needle inserted through the skin to withdraw tissue or fluid
- inserting a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope through the mouth, anus, urethra, or a small incision in the skin to look at areas inside the body and remove a sample using special tools that pass through the tube
- If surgery is used to remove part or all of a tumor, some or all of the removed tumor specimen will be examined by the pathologist.
This is the study of organic and inorganic substances in body fluids, including toxicology.
This is a subspecialty of both pathology and dermatology. These pathologists specialize in interpreting skin biopsies. Dermatopathological results can help diagnose common skin diseases, as well as complex immunological diseases.
This field includes monitoring, processing, and compatibility of blood products.