What is Pathology?
Pathology is a branch of medical science that is focused on the study and diagnosis of disease. It involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies in order to study and diagnose disease. Pathology is the bridge between science and medicine. Pathologists work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as surgeons and clinicians, to ensure optimal patient care. They serve as consultants, providing expertise in complex cases. For every sub-specialty in medicine or surgery, there is a pathologist counterpart, helping to make the correct diagnosis and guide the care of the patient. The two major divisions of pathology are anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. Anatomic pathologists focus on the examination of organs, tissues and cells, most often from surgical speciments or autopsies to diagnose the cause of disease. Clinical pathologists analyze blood and bodily fluids to access organ function and identify infections.
Anatomic Pathology Subspecialties
Autopsy Pathology
Autopsy pathology is the study of disease through the examination of a body after death. It plays a critical role in understanding the cause of death, identifying undiagnosed conditions, evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments, and advancing medical knowledge. Autopsies are carefully conducted surgical procedures performed by pathologists to assess organs, tissues, and other structures for abnormalities. The findings contribute to clinical education, public health data, and sometimes legal investigations. Autopsy pathology remains a cornerstone of modern medicine, offering insights that can improve patient care and shape future research.
Breast Pathology
Our breast pathology service provides expert diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic evaluations to support the multidisciplinary care of patients with breast disease. Our pathologists play an active role in every step of the diagnostic process—from intraoperative gross examination and sentinel lymph node assessment to final case sign-out and participation in breast tumor boards. We handle a wide range of cases, including malignant tumors, high-risk lesions, benign conditions, and premalignant changes. Close collaboration with medical, radiation, and surgical oncology teams ensures a seamless, patient-centered approach to breast cancer care.
Cytopathology
Cytopathology is the area of Anatomic Pathology that focuses on cell morphology (the physical form of the cell) for diagnoses. Cytopathologists analyze samples collected through various techniques such as Pap smears, fine-needle aspirations, and fluid analysis. Cytopathologists interpret the cellular changes to diagnose conditions like cancer, precancerous changes, and other abnormalities. They are unique in that their work covers all organ systems and requires an extremely specific skillset. They interact frequently with clinicians, and may also interact with patients and perform on-site evaluations, as the specialty allows for fast, accurate diagnoses using minimally invasive techniques.
Dermatopathology
Dermatopathology is a sub-specialty that combines dermatology and pathology. It focuses on the microscopic examination of skin, hair, and nail samples to diagnose and understand diseases of these tissues. Dermatopathologists are trained to analyze skin biopsies and other tissue specimens to identify the underlying causes and nature of skin conditions, often working in close collaboration with dermatologists.
Gastrointestinal Pathology
Our GI Pathology team delivers comprehensive diagnostic expertise across the full spectrum of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and hepato-pancreato-biliary system. Services include routine histopathologic evaluation, immunohistochemistry, and advanced ancillary testing. GI pathologists play a key role in the intraoperative assessment of complex surgical specimens such as Whipple procedures and hepatectomies, as well as the evaluation of unexpected peritoneal and hepatic lesions. They are also responsible for interpreting a wide range of cases involving the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colorectum, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. In addition to diagnostic responsibilities, our pathologists actively contribute to multidisciplinary tumor boards, ensuring coordinated and informed patient care. Through close collaboration with gastroenterologists, hepatologists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and oncologists, the GI Pathology team is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses that guide effective treatment and optimize outcomes.
Genitourinary Pathology
Genitourinary Pathology focuses on diagnoses of diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Genitourinary Pathologists examine biopsies and resection specimens as well as organ tissue from the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, prostate, and testes. These pathologists receive specialized training for accurate diagnoses, particularly in kidney, prostate, and bladder malignancies, and work closely with They work closely with urologists, radiologists, medical and ratiation oncologists and other surgeons.
Gynecological Pathology
Gynecologic pathologists are specialized physicians who focus on diagnosing diseases of the female reproductive system, including cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vulva, and vagina. By examining tissue samples under the microscope and using advanced diagnostic tools such as immunohistochemistry and molecular testing, gynecologic pathologists provide critical information that guides patient care. Our work supports gynecologists, oncologists, and other clinicians in determining the most accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan for each patient. Through close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, we play a vital role in the fight against gynecologic cancers, helping ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.
Head and Neck/Endocrine Pathology
Head and Neck/Endocrine Pathology involves examining tissue specimens from various sites, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses, salivary glands, thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. They also study conditions affecting the diffuse neuroendocrine system, including related neuroendocrine neoplasms of the digestive tract and pulmonary system. A few of the most common endocrine disorders are diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome and hypercortisolism. Endocrine pathologists work closely with endocrinologists to provide crucial diagnoses and collaborate on complex cases and treatment plans.
Medical Renal Pathology
Medical Renal Pathology focuses on the diagnosis of diseases that affect the kidney. Medical Renal Pathologists examine renal and transplant biopsies as well as kidney tissues using light microscopy with histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and in some cases flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, and proteomics. In addition to nephrologists and transplant surgeons, Medical Renal Pathologists work closely with rheumatologists, hematology oncologists and internal medical physicians to diagnose and treat kidney-related illnesses.
Neuromuscular & Opthalmic Pathology
Neuromuscular and Ophthalmic Pathology is a subspeciality of anatomic pathology that focuses on nervous system, muscles and eyes. Neuromuscular Pathologists evaluate muscle and nerve biopsies using fixed and frozen tissue with immunohistochemical and histochemical stains, as well as electron microscopy, to diagnose neuromuscular diseases. These specialized pathologists work closely with neurologists, rheumatologists and neuromuscular specialists. Ophthalmic Pathologists examine biopsied tissue using light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, molecular testing and electron microscopy. They work closely with Ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye.
Pediatric Pathology
Pediatric Pathology is the study and diagnosis of diseases affecting children from the fetal stage to adolescence. A Pediatric Pathologist must have an in depth understanding of normal growth and development, along with extensive knowledge of pediatric medicine. Pediatric Pathologists utilize immunohistochemistry, FISH and molecular genetics to evaluate placentas, fetal malformations, tumors and biopsies. They work closely with neonatologists and pediatricians, as well as oncologists and surgeons.
Pulmonary & Thoracic Pathology
Pulmonary and Thoracic Pathology focus on diagnosing diseases of the lungs and chest. Pulmonary and Thoracic Pathologists must have extensive knowledge of tumor biology as many tumors metastasize to the lungs. Additionally, they examine tissue samples, biopsies and surgical specimens. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team encompassing pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists and infectious disease physicians.
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Transmission Electron Microscopy is a technique used to visualize the smallest structures in matter such as crystalline samples and molecular machinery inside cells. TEM uses a beam of electrons to transmit through the specimen to form a high-resolution image. TEM is often used to identify pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and microsporidia.
Clinical Pathology Subspecialties
Blood Bank/Transfusion Medicine
A pathologist who specializes in blood banking‐transfusion medicine is responsible for the maintenance of an adequate blood supply, blood donor and patient-recipient safety, and appropriate blood utilization. Pre-transfusion compatibility testing and antibody testing assure that blood transfusions, when indicated, are as safe as possible. This specialist directs the preparation and safe use of specially prepared blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma constituents, and marrow or stem cells for transplantation.
Chemical Pathology
Chemical Pathology is a branch of pathology devoted primarily to the use of biochemical and molecular techniques in diagnosing and managing diseases. Chemical Pathologists advise clinicians on the selection and interpretation of clinical chemistry tests on a wide range of conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, and hormone imbalances. They can also have direct responsibility for patients in out-patient clinics and diagnose and treat a wide range of metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone imbalances, kidney stones, bone disease and nutrition imbalances.
Hematopathology
Hematopathology is a subspecialty of pathology that encompasses the study of diseases involving the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissue. It focuses on the diagnosis of disorders such as leukemias, lymphomas, cytopenias, and clotting abnormalities through the examination of peripheral blood smears, bone marrow biopsies, and specialized tests including flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, and molecular studies including next generation sequencing. Hematopathologists play a key role in guiding therapy-related decisions by accurately classifying hematologic disorders.
Informatics
Informatics is the science of how to use data, information and knowledge to improve human health and the delivery of health care services. This transdisciplinary field brings together doctors, scientists, professors, researchers and more in the pursuit of innovations in the healthcare and life sciences fields. Informatics plays a crucial role in personalizing treatment plans by analyzing patient data, predicting disease risks, and developing targeted treatments.
Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, for the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Microbiologists help find disease-causing microorganisms in tissue, bone marrow, blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids. Our microbiology laboratory uses various culture and staining techniques as well as molecular methods and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to identify microorganisms.
Molecular & Cytogenetics
Molecular pathology is a specialized branch of pathology that focuses on the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of molecular alterations within organs and tissues. It combines aspects of traditional anatomic pathology with molecular biology, enabling more accurate analysis of genetic changes that lead to tumorigenesis. Techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), PCR, and next generation sequencing, among others, are used to detect mutations, copy number variations, fusions, and other molecular alterations. Molecular pathology plays a critical role in precision medicine, paving the way for targeted therapies and leading to better treatment outcomes while reducing morbidity and mortality. Molecular pathology is continuing to expand our understanding of the basis of disease mechanisms while improving diagnostic accuracy, therapeutics, and prognosis, as we move towards the new era of modern and personalized medicine.