What is pathological anatomy and cytology?

Pathological anatomy and cytology refers to the medical specialty that studies tissues, cells and their abnormalities in order to contribute to the diagnosis of diseases, notably cancers. It allows the exact type of condition to be assessed in order to make the most effective therapeutic decisions. Pathological anatomy and cytology uses macroscopic study (visible to the naked eye), conventional microscopy, electron microscopy and molecular biology techniques to analyse tissues (histological analysis) and cells (cytological analysis). Peripheral nervous system diseases fall within the branch of neuropathology, which studies the morphological alterations of cells and tissues.

What does an anatomical pathologist do?

An anatomical pathologist analyses organ and cell samples collected during a:

• Biopsy,
• Surgical procedure,
• Gynaecological smear test,
• Puncture,
• Etc.

This screening test can take place in a pathology laboratory or during a surgical procedure (extemporaneous examination) so that the right treatment can be immediately offered. In the latter case, samples taken may be sent for further analysis. This specialist carries out a substantive diagnostic intervention on the lesions identified and can evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment to be offered.

When to see a specialist in pathological anatomy and cytology

In most cases, your GP or a specialist (gynaecologist, urologist, dermatologist , surgeon, etc.) will seek the opinion of a specialist in pathological anatomy and cytology in order to clarify a diagnosis.