Onco Pathology
Overview
Oncopathology, also known as oncologic pathology, is a subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the diagnosis, classification, and management of cancer.
Oncopathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the examination of tissues, cells, and bodily fluids to diagnose and characterize cancerous tumors. They play a crucial role in cancer care, working closely with oncologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to provide accurate diagnoses and guide treatment decisions.
Key responsibilities of oncopathologists include:
- Examining biopsy specimens, surgical resections, and autopsy tissues to diagnose cancer.
- Classifying cancers based on their histological, cytological, and molecular characteristics.
- Determining the stage and grade of cancer, which helps guide treatment decisions.
- Identifying genetic mutations and other molecular alterations that can inform targeted therapies.
- Collaborating with clinicians to develop personalized treatment plans.
- Participating in tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences to discuss complex cases.
- Staying up-to-date with the latest advances in oncology and molecular diagnostics.
Oncopathologists use a range of techniques, including:
- Histopathology: examining tissue samples under a microscope.
- Cytology: examining cells in bodily fluids or fine-needle aspiration biopsies.
- Molecular diagnostics: analyzing DNA, RNA, or proteins to identify genetic mutations or other molecular alterations.
- Immunohistochemistry: using antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue samples.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): using fluorescent probes to detect genetic alterations.
