Diagnostic Methods in Pathology

Pathology is a branch of science that plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and treatment by using various laboratory techniques to study the causes, development processes, and changes in tissues caused by diseases. The term pathology comes from the Greek words "Pathos" and "Logos," meaning "the science of disease." Etiology, prognosis, pathogenesis, and morphological changes are fundamental elements of pathology.

In this field, molecular, genetic, immunological, and morphological methods are used to make accurate diagnoses of diseases and contribute to treatment planning. With advancing technologies, pathologists can sometimes make a cancer diagnosis within 24 hours, or even within 15 minutes during surgery.

The pathological diagnosis process includes macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Macroscopic examination involves the visual inspection of tissue samples taken from the patient. Microscopic examination, on the other hand, provides a detailed evaluation of the tissue's cellular structure. These examinations are combined with clinical data to form a pathological diagnosis.

Immunophenotypic examinations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), liquid biopsy, and intraoperative consultation (Frozen Section method) are various diagnostic techniques used by pathologists to identify diseases, determine treatment methods, and assess patient prognosis.

In immunophenotypic examinations, immunohistochemical staining methods are used to determine the presence and quantity of specific receptors in tissues. NGS allows for a more detailed examination of the genetic characteristics of tumors, and this information is used in treatment planning. Liquid biopsy provides early diagnosis and treatment targets by examining cancer cells and DNA/RNA characteristics through a simple blood test. Intraoperative consultation (Frozen Section) offers the possibility of rapid diagnosis during surgery, allowing surgeons to make more effective decisions during the operation.

All these techniques contribute to the critical role of pathology as one of the cornerstones of modern medicine, ensuring that the most appropriate treatment methods are selected for patients.