Medical Pathology

Pathology is a medical specialty that investigates the nature and causes of diseases. Laboratory tests and analyses conducted in the medical pathology unit are performed on tissue samples, organs, body fluids, or specimens obtained during surgery or autopsy. Pathological examinations are essential for providing a definitive diagnosis and determining the prognosis of diseases.

What is Medical Pathology?

Medical pathology is the branch of science that studies the mechanisms, progression, and outcomes of diseases. It examines the cellular-level changes that occur in response to injury, necrosis (cell or tissue death), inflammation, wound healing, and neoplasia (abnormal and uncontrolled cell proliferation). Understanding these processes provides valuable insights into the development of diseases and allows pathology to play a preventive role in clinical medicine.

What Does Medical Pathology Do?

Medical pathology supports clinical management by examining biopsy specimens at the macroscopic, cellular, or molecular level. In diseases such as cancer, early detection through molecular analysis significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment, making pathology studies a crucial element in clinical decision-making.

In the pathology unit, experienced specialists conduct diagnostic investigations and provide results that guide physicians in treatment planning. These analyses are particularly important for evaluating chronic conditions, as they offer detailed insights into the course of disease progression. Tissue samples obtained from patients are examined based on their gross anatomical characteristics, immunological markers, and chemical indicators at the cellular level.

Microscopic examination allows pathologists to distinguish between malignant and benign cells, while molecular studies help establish differential diagnoses and predict treatment response based on the patient’s genetic structure. This personalized approach ensures that therapeutic strategies are tailored to the individual.

What is a Biopsy and How is it Performed?

During medical examinations or imaging procedures, physicians may detect abnormal lesions that require closer analysis. A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from these areas—whether from the skin, organs, or other body structures—to be examined microscopically. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the site and nature of the lesion.

Types of Biopsy

Incisional Biopsy: Surgical removal of a portion of a lesion for diagnostic purposes.

Excisional Biopsy: Complete surgical removal of the lesion.

Punch Biopsy: Collection of tissue samples from internal organs using endoscopic tools or from the skin using specialized instruments.

Needle Biopsy: Extraction of tissue samples using fine or core needles, guided by imaging methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The collected tissue specimens are either processed routinely in the pathology laboratory or examined during surgery through a frozen section procedure to determine the appropriate surgical approach.

Does a Biopsy Provide a Definitive Diagnosis?

Samples from suspicious lesions are sent to the pathology laboratory for detailed examination to establish a definitive diagnosis. Through histological and molecular analyses, abnormal cells and disease-specific characteristics are identified. For patients with an existing diagnosis, pathology helps assess the severity, stage, and progression of the disease. This allows clinicians to determine effective treatment options based on prognosis. Biopsy methods are widely used in diagnosing benign and malignant tumors, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune disorders.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Biopsy Results?

Tissue samples are examined by pathologists in the laboratory, and the reporting time varies depending on the type of sample and the complexity of the case. Generally, biopsy results are available within one week after sample submission. However, additional tests or expert consultations may extend this period. Once the report is finalized, it is shared with the referring physician, who then informs the patient. Based on the biopsy outcome, the most appropriate treatment plan is developed.

Diagnostic Methods Used in the Medical Pathology Department

Pathologists working within the medical pathology department specialize in different disease groups. The main diagnostic approaches used are outlined below.

Surgical Pathology

Surgical pathology involves the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissues removed during surgical procedures. Specimens may include small biopsies taken from suspicious lesions, core biopsies for cancer diagnosis, or entire tissues and organs excised during tumor resections. Each specimen is evaluated based on size, structure, and morphology. Larger samples may undergo paraffin embedding or frozen section processing. After sectioning and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, slides are analyzed under a light microscope. When required, special stains such as immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence are applied. A detailed pathology report is then prepared and shared with the treating physician.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology focuses on postmortem examinations of the body, organs, and tissues to determine the cause and manner of death. This highly specialized procedure, known as autopsy, helps assess the individual’s medical history, evaluate the adequacy of medical interventions prior to death, and identify injuries that occurred before or at the time of death. Forensic pathologists contribute valuable insights to both medical and legal investigations.

Cytopathology

Cytopathology is the study of diseases at the cellular level and is particularly useful in diagnosing cancers and inflammatory conditions. It involves examining free or exfoliated cells obtained through fine needle aspiration (FNA) or naturally shed from body tissues. Cytological analysis enables early detection of cellular abnormalities and supports targeted treatment strategies.

Molecular Pathology

Molecular pathology combines molecular biology and genetics to study diseases at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. It plays a pivotal role in classifying tumors, identifying specific genetic mutations, and predicting treatment responses. Even the smallest tumors can be detected through these analyses. By identifying mutation patterns specific to each patient, molecular pathology enables clinicians to select the most effective, individualized treatment approach.