Pathologist

Conditions Treated

• •Cancer Diagnosis (Histopathology) — Pathologists examine biopsy tissue under the microscope to confirm cancer, determine type, grade, and molecular markers guiding treatment.
• •Blood Disorders (Haematopathology) — Diagnosis of leukaemia, lymphoma, anaemia, and clotting disorders through blood smear examination, bone marrow biopsy, and flow cytometry.
• •Cervical Screening (Cytopathology) — Pap smear and liquid-based cytology screening for cervical cancer — the most preventable cancer in women.
• •Infection Identification (Microbiology) — Culture and sensitivity testing to identify the exact organism causing infection and which antibiotics will work.
• •Kidney Biopsy Interpretation — Renal pathology is a subspecialty — kidney biopsies need expert interpretation including immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.

Health Tips

• •Follow fasting instructions for blood tests
• •Collect urine samples correctly
• •Don't panic over a single abnormal result
• •Keep copies of all your lab reports
• •Ask your doctor to explain results you don't understand

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Follow fasting instructions — 8-12 hours for lipid profile and fasting glucose
• •Inform about all medications — some drugs (blood thinners, steroids) affect test results
• •For Pap smear: avoid intercourse, douching, and vaginal medications for 48 hours before the test
• •For biopsy: understand the procedure, risks, and ask about sedation options
• •For blood tests: stay relaxed — stress can affect some results. Inform if you have difficult veins
• •For urine samples: use midstream clean-catch technique for accurate results
• •For biopsy: local anaesthesia will be provided. Report any pain during the procedure
• •Ask how and when you will receive results — some labs offer online access
• •Keep copies of ALL pathology reports — they are valuable for future reference and second opinions
• •Don't interpret reports yourself from internet searches — discuss with your treating doctor
• •For biopsy site: follow wound care instructions and report excessive bleeding or infection signs
• •If results are abnormal: don't panic. Discuss with your doctor who will explain the findings in clinical context

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •Can you explain my biopsy report in simple terms?
• •Is this cancer or can it be something else?
• •Should I get a second pathology opinion?
• •What molecular tests are needed for my tumour?
• •How long will the final pathology report take?
• •Is the lab NABL-accredited?

When to See a Specialist

A Pathologist is a behind-the-scenes doctor who diagnoses diseases by examining blood, tissue, and body fluids. You rarely see them directly — they guide your treating doctor's decisions.

• •Biopsy interpretation — is it cancer?
• •Abnormal blood test results needing expert review
• •Pap smear or cervical biopsy reading
• •Bone marrow biopsy interpretation
• •Infection identification from cultures

Pathologists are the 'doctor's doctor' — their accurate diagnosis is the foundation of your treatment plan.