From Biopsy to Diagnosis: How Pathologists Diagnose Cancer and Other Diseases

Summary

This video explains the crucial role of pathologists in diagnosing cancer and other diseases, a process often unknown to patients. It outlines how a tissue sample is collected, processed, and analyzed under a microscope by specialists. The pathologist's examination identifies characteristics such as abnormal cell growth, mitoses, and necrosis, aiding in determining the nature of the disease. The video also highlights the expertise required for accurate diagnosis and how pathologists collaborate behind the scenes to provide essential information for treatment decisions, ultimately ensuring the best care for patients.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Cancer is a broad term encompassing various diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth.
• 👩‍⚕️ Pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing cancer, differentiating it from other diseases, and recommending treatments.
• 🧐 The diagnostic process starts with the removal of a tissue sample for analysis.
• 🧪 Tissue samples are fixed in formalin to preserve cellular structure.
• 📋 After fixation, tissues are processed, marked, and barcoded for identification.
• 🔄 The processor dehydrates the samples and replaces the alcohol with paraffin wax to prepare them for sectioning.
• 🎞️ Histotechnologists embed the wax-embedded samples into molds to create paraffin blocks.
• ❄️ The paraffin blocks are chilled to harden the wax, allowing for thin slicing.
• 🔪 Microtomes are used to cut the hardened blocks into 4-micron thick sections.
• 🌊 The thin slices are placed into a water bath and then onto glass slides for staining and examination.
• 📊 Pathologists examine the slides under a microscope to identify cancerous cells, which often exhibit large size, high numbers of mitoses, and necrosis.
• 📝 Pathologists generate a detailed report, which is shared with the primary care doctor to inform the patient and plan treatment.

Q & A

What is cancer, as described in the script?

Cancer is a broad term for diseases in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably. There are hundreds of different types of cancer, each with its own characteristics and treatment options.

How does a doctor differentiate between different types of cancer?

Doctors rely on pathologists who analyze tissue samples to identify the type, stage, and specific characteristics of cancer. The process involves diagnosing based on cellular structure and other features.

Who is responsible for diagnosing cancer, according to the script?

The pathologist, a medical specialist who works behind the scenes analyzing tissue samples, is responsible for diagnosing cancer and other diseases.

What role does a biopsy play in cancer diagnosis?

A biopsy is a tissue sample removed from the body that is used to assess the presence, type, and stage of cancer. The sample undergoes several processes before being analyzed by a pathologist.

What happens to the tissue sample after it is removed from the body?

After removal, the tissue sample is placed in formalin, a chemical that preserves the cells. The sample is then processed in a laboratory where it undergoes dehydration and embedding in paraffin wax for further analysis.

How are tissue samples processed for microscopic examination?

The tissue is dehydrated, cleared with alcohol, and embedded in paraffin wax to create a block. The block is then sliced into extremely thin sections using a microtome and placed on glass slides for examination under a microscope.

What do pathologists look for when diagnosing cancer?

Pathologists look for abnormal cellular structures, large cells with irregular shapes, mitoses (indicating cell division), and signs of necrosis (tissue death). These features help distinguish between normal, inflammatory, and cancerous tissues.

How are complex cases of cancer diagnosed?

In difficult cases, pathologists may consult with other experts to reach a consensus on the diagnosis. This ensures accuracy when interpreting complex or ambiguous samples.

What happens to the diagnostic report after the pathologist completes their analysis?

The diagnostic report is uploaded into an electronic medical record system, where the patient's primary care doctor can access the results and discuss the next steps with the patient.

What are the typical features of cancer that pathologists observe?

Typical features of cancer include abnormally large cells, high levels of mitotic activity, necrosis due to rapid cell growth, and inflammation that may indicate infection or auto-immune disease.