Monthly Archives: June 2009
What is a surgical pathology report?
Question: What is a surgical pathology report? Answer: The surgical pathology report identifies the tissue sample as belonging to a specific patient and details the diagnosis.
Can I, as a patient, take my slides to another doctor or hospital for a second opinion?
Question: Can I, as a patient, take my slides to another doctor or hospital for a second opinion? Answer: Yes, you may. You must also include a copy of the surgical pathology report.
What do the pathologists do when they do not agree?
Question: What do the pathologists do when they do not agree? Answer: If pathologists do not agree, they meet to discuss all the aspects of the case and a consensus opinion is reached.
Does more than one pathologist read my slides?
Question: Does more than one pathologist read my slides? Answer: Very often more than one pathologist reviews a case here at Dr. Pathma’s lab. We also have a weekly Tumor Boards where several , pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, psychiatrists — really, … Continue reading
Is it easy to tell which cancer it is?
Question: Is it easy to tell which cancer it is? Answer: Usually most cases are straightforward. There are, however, instances when more study and special procedures, including immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, are required to make a final diagnosis.
How can the pathologist handle this under the microscope if it is so tiny?
Question: How can the pathologist handle this under the microscope if it is so tiny? Answer: The laboratory technician places this very thin sample on a piece of glass and seals it under another thin piece of plastic. This is … Continue reading
Are these samples labeled while still in the operating room?
Question: Are these samples labeled while still in the operating room? Answer: Yes, immediately. The patient’s sample is given a unique number that is recorded on the pathology report.
How do they save the piece of tissue?
Question: How do they save the piece of tissue? Answer: It is immediately frozen, then sealed in a block of wax. It is then taken to a laboratory where it is cut very, very thin by a special machine. The … Continue reading
How big a piece is removed?
Question: How big a piece is removed? Answer: Very small, if it is a biopsy. However, the sample must be large enough to represent the abnormality.
What is a biopsy?
What is a biopsy? The removal of cells or tissue for examination under a microscope. When a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle, the procedure is called a needle biopsy or fine-needle aspiration.