The Department of Pathology plays a critical role in modern medicine by providing accurate diagnostic information essential for disease detection, treatment planning, and monitoring. The department offers a wide range of services encompassing tissue, cell, and fluid analysis through state-of-the-art laboratory practices and highly trained specialists.

1. Histopathology

Definition:
Histopathology involves the microscopic examination of tissue samples that are collected during biopsy, surgery, or autopsy. These tissues are processed, stained, and analyzed to identify structural changes associated with diseases.

Applications:

Cancer diagnosis and staging

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, lupus)

Infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections)

Monitoring post-surgical tissue recovery and margins of excision

2. Cytology

Definition:
Cytology focuses on the microscopic evaluation of individual cells or clusters of cells obtained from various body sites. It helps identify abnormal or malignant cells and is often less invasive than tissue biopsy.

Types of Cytology:

Exfoliative Cytology: Study of naturally shed or manually collected cells (e.g., Pap smear, urine cytology)

Aspirated Cytology: Cells collected using fine-needle aspiration (FNAC)

Common Uses:

Early detection of cervical cancer (Pap test)

Diagnosis of pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities

Evaluation of thyroid, breast, and lymph node lesions

Advantages:

Minimally invasive

Quick turnaround time

Cost-effective screening tool.

3. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

Definition:
FNAC is a rapid, simple, and minimally invasive procedure where a fine needle is used to aspirate cells from palpable masses or deep-seated lesions under imaging guidance.

Indications:

Evaluation of breast lumps, thyroid nodules, lymphadenopathy and other lesions

Diagnosis of cysts, abscesses, or suspected malignancies

Guided FNAC for internal organs using ultrasound or CT

Procedure Benefits:

Outpatient-based and safe

Provides preliminary diagnosis without the need for surgical biopsy

Can be repeated if necessary

Diagnostic Use:

Differentiation of benign vs. malignant lesions

Identification of infectious and inflammatory processes

4. Hematology

Definition:
Hematology involves the study of blood, bone marrow, and blood-forming organs. It focuses on diagnosing conditions that affect red and white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.

Routine Tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Peripheral Blood Smear

Reticulocyte Count

Coagulation Profile (PT, APTT, INR)

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Clinical Relevance:

Diagnosis and monitoring of anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and clotting disorders

Evaluating infections, allergies, and chronic diseases

5. Clinical Pathology

Definition:
Clinical pathology encompasses the analysis of bodily fluids to detect biochemical, microbiological, and hematological abnormalities. It bridges laboratory medicine and patient care.