Pathology

Overview

Pathology is a branch of medical science primarily concerning the cause, origin and nature of disease. It involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids and autopsies in order to study and diagnose disease. Pathology as a field is the bridge between science and medicine. It underpins every aspect of patient care, from diagnostic testing and treatment advice to using cutting-edge genetic technologies and preventing disease.

History

The history of pathology can be traced back to the earliest application of the scientific method to the field of medicine. The Greek physician Hippocrates is generally credited with first using the term to describe the study of disease. The study of pathology, including the detailed examination of the body, including dissection and inquiry into specific maladies, dates back to antiquity.

An ancient depiction of a physician examining a patient.

Branches of Pathology

Pathology is divided into several branches including anatomical pathology, clinical pathology, molecular pathology, forensic pathology, dermatopathology, neuropathology, and hematopathology.

Anatomical Pathology

Anatomical pathology is the study of organs and tissues to determine the causes and effects of certain diseases. Anatomical pathologists use microscopic and molecular examination techniques to diagnose diseases and predict treatment responses.

Clinical Pathology

Clinical pathology involves the laboratory evaluation of blood, fluids and body tissues in order to identify existing diseases. Common areas of study include hematology, blood transfusion medicine, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology and clinical virology.

Molecular Pathology

Molecular pathology is an emerging discipline within pathology which is focused on the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of molecules within organs, tissues or bodily fluids.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. Forensic pathologists, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly or violently.

Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of anatomic pathology that focuses on the skin and the rest of the integumentary system as an organ.

Neuropathology

Neuropathology is the study of disease of nervous system tissue, usually in the form of either small surgical biopsies or whole-body autopsies.

Hematopathology

Hematopathology is the study of diseases of blood cells including constituents such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, tissues, and organs comprising the hematopoietic system.

Pathological Processes

Pathological processes are the mechanisms of disease causation. These can be categorized into several types, including degenerative, inflammatory, neoplastic, and traumatic processes.

Degenerative Processes

Degenerative processes involve the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons. Many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes.

Inflammatory Processes

Inflammatory processes are responses to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, pain and loss of function.

Neoplastic Processes

Neoplastic processes involve abnormal growth of tissues which results in a neoplasm or tumor. These can be benign or malignant.

Traumatic Processes

Traumatic processes refer to physical injuries or wounds causing damage.

Role in Medicine

Pathology plays a critical role in the detection of disease and is integral to patient care. It impacts diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and is used to monitor disease progression and treatment response.