Q. What is pathology?

Pathology is a medical specialty that deals with the study and diagnosis of diseases. It involves examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and in some cases, the whole body, to understand the nature and causes of diseases. Pathologists, who are medical doctors specializing in pathology, play a crucial role in identifying and interpreting changes in cells and tissues that are indicative of various medical conditions.

Pathology can be broadly categorized into two main branches:

1. Anatomical Pathology: This branch involves the examination of tissues, organs, and specimens obtained through procedures such as biopsies or surgical resections. Anatomical pathologists analyze these samples under a microscope to identify abnormalities and diagnose diseases.

2. Clinical Pathology (or Laboratory Medicine): This branch focuses on the analysis of bodily fluids (such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid) and other specimens to diagnose and monitor diseases. Clinical pathologists may use various laboratory techniques, including blood tests and molecular diagnostics.

Pathologists play a critical role in patient care by providing information that helps guide treatment decisions, prognosis, and overall patient management. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, including clinicians and surgeons, to contribute to the comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.

Pathology is a medical specialty that deals with the study and diagnosis of diseases. It involves examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and in some cases, the whole body, to understand the nature and causes of diseases. Pathologists, who are medical doctors specializing in pathology, play a crucial role in identifying and interpreting changes in cells and tissues that are indicative of various medical conditions.

Pathology can be broadly categorized into two main branches:

1. Anatomical Pathology: This branch involves the examination of tissues, organs, and specimens obtained through procedures such as biopsies or surgical resections. Anatomical pathologists analyze these samples under a microscope to identify abnormalities and diagnose diseases.

2. Clinical Pathology (or Laboratory Medicine): This branch focuses on the analysis of bodily fluids (such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid) and other specimens to diagnose and monitor diseases. Clinical pathologists may use various laboratory techniques, including blood tests and molecular diagnostics.

Pathologists play a critical role in patient care by providing information that helps guide treatment decisions, prognosis, and overall patient management. They work closely with other healthcare professionals, including clinicians and surgeons, to contribute to the comprehensive understanding of a patient's health.