The name Pathology within medicine refers to both the study and diagnosis of diseases. Within pathology, there are four identified parts: cause, development, alteration of cells and the consequences of change. In studying diseases, professionals within pathology will study organs, tissues, bodily fluids and in some cases, the whole body (in autopsies).
Medical pathology is separated into two divisions: anatomical pathology and clinical pathology. Anatomical pathology involves the gross, microscopic, immunologic, chemical and molecular study of organs, tissues and whole bodies. The section is then further divided into surgical pathology, cytopathology and forensic pathology (these are the main sub-specialties).
Clinical pathology involves the study of bodily fluids and tissues within a laboratory. Fluids such as blood and urine will be analyzed using tools of chemistry, hematology, microbiology and molecular pathology within a medical laboratory.
When clinical and anatomical pathology are combined (as they often are), it is referred to as general pathology and the division between the two can sometimes be a little confusing. Pathologists use the results that are gleaned from anatomical and clinical studies into diseases to help monitor and manage illnesses, as well as prevent them.
Cancer diagnoses are often made by pathologists. A pathologist is the professional who will examine tissue biopsies from patients who are suspected cancer sufferers. They will then determine whether the tissues in question are benign or cancerous. Pathologists will also regularly examine blood test results to pick up on any changes within the patient’s system and alert their primary care physician accordingly.
Pathologists are also called upon to perform autopsies (also known as post-mortem examinations) to try to determine the cause of death. Autopsies can be performed either for medical or legal reasons, especially if there is suspected foul play and it is unclear why or how a person died. Usually external autopsies will suffice and the pathologist can determine cause of death quite quickly. However, in other, more complicated cases, an external autopsy may be called for in which the body needs to be dissected and examined more carefully. In such cases, permission from a next of kin will usually be required, and the body must be reformed by sewing it back together.
Being a core discipline of medical school, professionals who work in pathology are also often called upon to teach within schools. They are invaluable in the education and development of practicing pathology physicians within academic and community settings.
Being responsible for the diagnosis of a vast majority of diseases, pathology is a very unique medical specialty. It touches upon all areas of medicine and pathologists play a very important role in the patient care team. They work alongside doctors to build and guide the care of their patients.
Pathology is a fascinating career choice due to its achievements and close patient care, not to mention the depth with which it goes into the examination and exploration of disease. Pathologists are also offered the opportunity to teach at many levels during their career and therefore pathology is unrivalled by other medical specialties in that sense. Pathology is especially appealing to those who enjoy problem solving using some amazing technologies.
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