More about Histopathology

Trainees rapidly become accustomed to microscopy work and develop a fascination for the differenct histological patterns of disease.

Histopathology is a rapidly changing specialty with new immunohistochemical and molecular methods coming into routine use on a continual basis.

Histopathologists need a broad-based knowledge and understanding of both the clinical and pathological aspects of disease. You will be involved in the management of patients of all ages and provide expert advice to many clinical departments in the hospital.

Much of the work of a histopathologist is now centred on regular Multidisciplinary team meetings in which the diagnosis and clinical management of cancer are discussed in a multi-professional setting.

Histopathology can offer flexible working and often involves relatively little out of hours work. It offers an increasing variety of challenges which require a robust approach to problem-solving and decision making.

A wide range of specialties are covered and there is an increasing trend towards sub-specialisation, even in District General Hospitals. Although opportunities for direct patient contact are limited, liaison with other clinicians through multidisciplinary meetings is now a large part of the work of every histopathologist. This has been given greater emphasis by the National Cancer Accreditation Standards (2001).