Pathological anatomy is the branch of medicine involved in the study of
diseases. It represents a strong bridge between basic/translational research
and clinical medicine; it encompasses every aspect of patient care, from
morphologic diagnostic approach as well as additional testing protocols and
treatment advice, to cutting-edge genetic technologies. The purpose of
pathological anatomy is to diagnose
diseases with respect to their classification, etiology, pathogenesis and their
clinicopathological behaviour, and the evaluation of diagnostic and prognostic
methods as well as the effects of therapeutic interventions by morphological
and functional examination of cells and tissue samples, from gross examination
to the molecular lab, including conventional and advanced microscopy and
supporting techniques of molecular pathology to demonstrate expression of genes
and gene products. The pathologist offers advice and support to fellow
clinicians for the benefit of individual patients, the improvement of the
quality of diagnostic methods and a better clinicopathological understanding of
disease. Pathology is a specialty in which time, pre-analytical and technical
procedures are critical, in the everyday routine practice and when during open
surgery the modality choice and the rapid on-site evaluation of a frozen
section require skills and highest scientific preparation of the dedicated
Specialist. Pathology encompasses knowledge and skills of surgical pathology,
autopsy pathology and cytopathology and additional competences in areas of
special interest such as dermatopathology, forensic pathology, neuropathology,
paediatric pathology, cardiovascular pathology and paleopathology. Finally,
patient education and public health aspects must be also be considered.
Nowadays, is clear how PS plays a fundamental role in modern healthcare
systems, addressing the comprehensive diagnostic needs of all patients,
coordinating and directing the therapy choices. Pathological anatomy must
possess not only the essential scientific knowledge and skills necessary for
complete and correct diagnosis, but also the organizational insights and
capabilities needed to work efficiently in the pathology laboratory/department,
cytopathology office, the autoptic and forensic department, additionally joined
with molecular biology facility and other modern technologies (eg.
bioinformatics, biobanking)
