Specializations in Pathology
Anatomical Pathology
Focuses on the examination of surgical specimens and autopsies to diagnose diseases to identify the nature, extent, and causes of diseases.
Clinical Pathology
Involves the diagnosis of disease through the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and other tissues.
Cytopathology
The study of individual cells and cell patterns to diagnose diseases, often through techniques like fine-needle aspiration.
Forensic Pathology
A specialized field focused on determining the cause of death in cases involving legal investigations.
Hematopathology
The study of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, including disorders such as leukemias and lymphomas.
Dermatopathology
Involves the examination of skin diseases at the microscopic level, focusing on conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
Pediatric Pathology
Specializes in the diagnosis of diseases in children, including congenital and developmental disorders.
Neuropathology
Focuses on disorders of the nervous system, examining diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Molecular Pathology
Integrates molecular biology with pathology to understand disease mechanisms at the molecular level, often in cancer diagnostics.
Transfusion Medicine
Involves the study of blood transfusions and the management of blood products, incorporating aspects of pathology to ensure safety.
Gastrointestinal Pathology
Focuses on diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and liver.
Pulmonary Pathology
Concentrates on diseases of the lungs and respiratory system, with special attention to conditions such as pneumonias and lung cancers.
Renal Pathology
Studies kidney diseases and abnormalities, including glomerular diseases and renal tumors.
Endocrine Pathology
Focuses on diseases of the endocrine glands, including disorders such as diabetes and thyroid diseases.
Surgical Pathology
Involves the examination of tissues taken during surgery to diagnose disease and determine treatment strategy.
Immunopathology
Studies the role of the immune system in disease processes, including autoimmune diseases and allergies.
Pathology Informatics
Combines pathology with informatics to enhance data management, diagnostic processes, and research methodologies.
Experimental Pathology
Focuses on the experimental and research aspects of disease processes, often using animal models to study human diseases.
Cancer Pathology
Specializes in the diagnosis and classification of cancerous tissues to guide treatment choices and prognostic evaluations.
Pathologic Anatomy
Examines the structural and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs due to disease.
Veterinary Pathology
Specializes in the pathology of diseases in animals, including both domesticated and wild species.
Pathology of Infectious Diseases
Studies the pathological effects of infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Oncopathology
Focuses on tumor pathology, including diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of cancers.
Thyroid Pathology
Concentrates on disorders affecting the thyroid gland, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroid neoplasms.
Cardiovascular Pathology
Focuses on diseases affecting the heart and vascular system, including atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy.
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Studies diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, and surrounding structures, often working closely with dental professionals.