Pathomorphology

Pathomorphology is a branch of medicine that diagnoses diseases based on the microscopic examination of cells, tissues, and organs. A pathomorphologist (specialist in pathological anatomy) plays a key role in diagnosing diseases across many medical fields, from oncology to surgical specialties, dermatology, and scientific research. Typically, patients do not meet directly with the pathomorphologist, who works in a laboratory setting.

Cytopathology / Cytology

Cytological (cytopathological) examination involves the microscopic analysis of living cells collected from the body.
This diagnostic method is primarily used in the early detection of cancer, hormonal disorders, and monitoring treatment progress. It is important to note that cytological examinations generally have lower sensitivity and specificity compared to tissue-based histological examinations.

Examples of Cytological Examinations:

• Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) – e.g., of breast nodules (BIRADS 2 and 3), thyroid nodules, soft tissue tumors, enlarged lymph nodes.
• Exfoliative cytology – e.g., analysis of bodily secretions such as sputum, urine, nipple discharge, body cavity fluids, and cyst aspirations (e.g., breast cyst aspirates, bronchial lavage).
• Smears or brush cytology – most commonly known through gynecological cytology (Pap smear).

Histopathology

Histopathology is a specialized branch of pathomorphology focusing on the microscopic examination of tissues to identify disease-related changes at the cellular and structural level. Pathologists examine tissue samples obtained via biopsy or surgical excision. With advances in medical technology, histopathology plays an increasingly important role in clinical practice, enhanced by special staining techniques and immunohistochemical (IHC) testing.

Tissue-Based Examinations

The examination of tissue material (biopsy samples, surgically removed organs, or organ fragments) allows:

• Diagnosis and staging of cancers
• Identification of inflammatory and degenerative diseases
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments
• Determination of the cause of death in autopsy cases
• Histopathology is often a key criterion for therapeutic decision-making, especially in oncology.

It is not possible to definitively diagnose malignancies or distinguish between benign and malignant lesions without pathological examination. Therefore, all biopsies, tissue samples, and surgically removed lesions are routinely evaluated by pathologists at our facility.

Cytological and histological examinations are assessed exclusively by certified pathomorphology specialists.

In this area, we cooperate with the certified laboratory ALAB Plus (MSWiA Hospital in Gdańsk) to ensure the highest diagnostic standards.