Pathology
Doctor Title: Pathologist
Diagnostic specialist examining tissue biopsies, blood samples, and cellular specimens under the microscope to confirm diagnoses.
What Does a Pathologist Do?
Pathology is often called the "doctor’s doctor" and the bedrock of clinical medicine. Pathologists analyze tissue biopsies, surgical resections, body fluids, and pap smears under the microscope and via molecular assays to establish definitive disease diagnoses, identify cancer stages, and guide personalized therapies.
Core Clinical Responsibilities:
- Examines surgical tissue specimens and biopsies microscopically to provide the definitive diagnosis.
- Performs intra-operative "frozen sections" to inform surgeons in real time whether surgical margins are clear of cancer.
- Directs hospital clinical laboratories overseeing biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, and blood banking.
- Interprets immunohistochemical (IHC) stains and genetic biomarker tests (HER2, PD-L1, MMR).
- Performs autopsy pathology to determine cause of death and understand disease processes.
When to See a Pathologist
You should consider scheduling an evaluation with a Pathologist if you experience any of the following warning signs or persistent symptoms:
Patients rarely see pathologists directly; your clinical doctor orders a pathology review when:
A biopsy is taken from skin, breast, prostate, colon, thyroid, or any organ tissue
A suspicious lymph node or fluid collection is sampled via Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Surgical margins need microscopic evaluation during or after cancer resection
Complex bone marrow aspirations are taken for unexplained blood count abnormalities
Routine Pap smears or liquid-based cervical cytology samples require interpretation
Conditions & Diseases Treated
A Pathologist provides specialized diagnostic workups and therapeutic management for a wide range of conditions, including:
Common Tests & Procedures Ordered
To confirm diagnoses and monitor treatment effectiveness, a Pathologist frequently utilizes the following clinical tests and procedures:
Histopathological Tissue Examination (H&E Staining)
Microtome-sectioned paraffin-embedded tissue slices stained with hematoxylin & eosin.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Panel
Targeted antibodies identifying specific proteins (e.g., Estrogen Receptor, Ki-67) to classify tumors.
Frozen Section Intraoperative Consultation
Rapid freezing and microscopic exam performed within 15 minutes while the patient is on the operating table.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Peripheral Smear Review
Read Lab Test GuideDirect manual microscopic review of blood cells for abnormal blasts or sickle morphology.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Molecular cytogenetic test mapping gene translocations and amplifications in cancer cells.
Subspecialties & Advanced Fellowships
Within Pathology, physicians may pursue additional fellowship training to concentrate on specialized surgical procedures or disease subsets:
Frequently Asked Questions
Make the most of your consultation with a Pathologist by coming prepared:
- If requesting a second-opinion pathology review, contact your hospital’s medical records department for your glass biopsy slides and paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
- Obtain the original surgical pathology report and clinical operative notes to accompany the slides.
Related Specialists & Counterparts
Content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for direct medical diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.
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