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Problem Solving in Pathology
An essential part of the work carried out by the histopathologist is problem solving - a couple of examples are shown below.
The University of Leeds' Virtual Pathology website provides a collection of exercises tailored for graduate histopathological trainees, taking the user through a diagnostic exercise highlighting pitfalls in diagnosis.
The slides for case studies were provided for the Leeds University by: Prof. Dixon's - Emeritus Professor.
If you enjoy working through these cases, visit the Virtual Pathology website for more.
Case Scenario 1: Clinical History
Age 34, Female
Referred by her GP to a gastrointestinal surgeon's clinic with a 3 week history of epigastric pain and vomiting.
The illness started with an episode of severe upper abdominal pain going through to her back and vomiting small quantities of 'black stuff'.
This lasted for two days, to be replaced by continuous epigastric discomfort.
She was a moderate drinker and smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. She was married and had seven children.
Immediate hospital admission for further investigation was arranged.
Abdominal ultrasound revealed a "very thick-walled stomach" and upper GI endoscopy carried out the following day showed a "circumferential large, ulcerating advanced-looking carcinoma in the lower stomach and antrum covered with clots."
Multiple biopsies were taken and sent for histopathological examination.
Case Scenario 2: Breast
Age 64, Female
The patient attended a routine breast screening and the screening mammogram identified a small irregular mass lesion.
Case Scenario 3: Colon
Age 69, Male
Patient visited his GP with altered bowel habits including episodes of diarrhoea and occasionally blood present in stools.
