The Pathology Anatomy Service (directed by prof. Guido Rindi) performs histopathological (i.e.: on tissues) and cytological (i.e.: on cells) diagnostic tests relating to the material taken from patients for diagnosis and treatment. These tests are fundamental both in the oncological field to diagnose the presence of tumours, to define the degree of malignancy and often to determine the prognosis and therapy; as well as in non-oncological situations, in the diagnosis and therapy of non-neoplastic diseases (inflammatory, infectious, degenerative) and in some areas of particular importance (such as organ transplants or AIDS).
The Pathological Anatomy Service makes use of traditional morphological study methods integrated, if necessary, by the contributions of molecular characterization techniques (Unit of Molecular Pathology and Onco-hematology, head of prof. Luigi M. Larocca).
For cytological examinations (Unit of Cytopathology, head of Dr Guido Fadda) the Pathological Anatomy Service uses the thin-layer preparation technique in the liquid phase, which allows easier use of immunocytochemical methods (markers of malignancy in thyroid cytology, receptors estrogen-progestogens in breast cytology) and molecular analyses.
The Pathological Anatomy Service annually provides diagnoses of over 155,000 services:
The diagnostic activity is organized by organ pathology and there are two units for specific sectors:
The team is engaged both in didactic activity, particularly intense given the relevance of the discipline in the degree courses (specialist and three-year) and specialization, and in research activities strictly interconnected with the areas of care activity electively followed by the individual Medical Executives. (Needle aspiration cytology, Hematopathology, Gynecopathology, Gastroenteric and Hepatic Pathology, Neurosurgical Pathology, Thyroid, Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Pathology, Uropathology).
