Histopathology is the study of the changes caused by disease in human tissue. Using sophisticated microscopes and a trained eye, histopathologists examine stained tissues and cells taken from patients in the clinic or at operation. From this, the histopathologist decides whether disease is present and, if so, he/she can advise on prognosis and best management.
What’s it like?
As a histopathology trainee, I’m closely involved with patient care. My daily work can be split into diagnosis, research and autopsies. The diagnostic side involves teamwork with other doctors who care for patients with cancer and other diseases. My role is to diagnose whether someone has a particular disease, and I do this by looking at tissue or cell samples from patients under the microscope. Pathology has a lot in common with art. Diagnosing cancer in a biopsy is a bit like recognising which artist painted a picture - it’s a combination of good pattern recognition and experience. The research work pathologists undertake is crucial for the advancement of patient care.
Pathologists have won Nobel prizes for the contribution of their research to society. Autopsies are similar to detective work - working out what killed someone, which in turn improves the way patients are cared for in hospitals and the community. Some pathologists specialise in one of these areas, others do a mixture of all the different types of work.
Histopathology is a rewarding and challenging career that is well respected. Good communication skills are essential, as pathologists work in teams, teach other doctors and students, and have patient contact in clinics or on the ward. The typical working day is from 8 am until 5 pm, Monday to Friday, leaving us free to pursue other interests and see friends and family in the evenings and at weekends. As trainees, pathologists learn how to recognise different diseases under the microscope and how to perform autopsies. Some trainees get the opportunity to undertake a research degree, or train in education. Training is fun, with several trainees working together in a hospital.
Dr Maesha Deheragoda, SpR
