Category Archives: FAQs

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 →

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.

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 →

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.

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 →

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? 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.

What does the pathologist do? He or she examines tissue under a microscope to see what kind of abnormalities are in the tissue sample. The pathologist writes a report detailing the diagnosis. The information in the report helps the treating … Continue reading →

If I have cancer, do I need a pathologist? Yes, a pathologist is a specialist who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. Pathology is a medical specialty focused on providing a definitive diagnosis of many different … Continue reading →