What diseases are diagnosed by a pathologist?

Pathologists diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancers such as breast, lung, and colon cancer, infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, blood disorders like leukaemia and lymphoma, autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic organ conditions affecting the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Best Pathologists in Mumbai, India

Q: Who is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing diseases by examining body tissues, cells, and fluids. They provide essential diagnostic information that helps doctors create effective treatment plans. Pathologists may specialise in Anatomic Pathology, which focuses on tissue examination, or Clinical Pathology, which involves laboratory analysis of blood, urine, and other samples.

Q: What does a pathologist do?

A pathologist diagnoses diseases by examining biopsies, surgical specimens, blood samples, and other body fluids. They oversee laboratory testing, use advanced molecular techniques such as FISH and DNA sequencing to identify genetic changes, provide frozen section reports during surgeries, and support doctors with accurate diagnostic information.

Q: Why choose Nanavati Max Hospital for a pathologist?

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital provides advanced pathology services through experienced specialists, modern diagnostic technology, NABL-accredited laboratories, digital pathology systems, and close coordination with oncology and other medical departments to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis.

Q: How do I prepare for my first appointment with a pathologist?

Before a pathology test or biopsy, check whether fasting is required, stay well hydrated unless advised otherwise, bring your doctor's prescription and previous pathology or imaging reports, and inform the healthcare team about medications such as blood thinners that may affect biopsy procedures.

Q: What should I tell my pathologist before surgery?

Before surgical pathology evaluation, ensure your medical team provides information about your clinical history, including previous cancer diagnosis, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, duration of symptoms, family history of genetic disorders, and current medications such as hormonal supplements or immunosuppressants.

Q: When do I need to see a pathologist?

A pathologist is involved whenever diagnostic testing is required, such as during a biopsy to determine whether a growth is benign or malignant, routine screening tests like Pap smears or colonoscopy samples, second opinions for complex diagnoses, or monitoring treatment response in conditions such as cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a medical doctor who specialises in the study of diseases by examining body tissues, cells, and fluids. Often called "the doctor’s doctor," they provide the definitive diagnosis that forms the foundation of a patient’s treatment plan. After medical school, they complete extensive residency training in Anatomic Pathology (tissue study) or Clinical Pathology (laboratory analysis).

2. What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists act as medical detectives. Their primary responsibilities include:

Disease Diagnosis: Examining biopsies and surgical specimens under a microscope to identify cancer, infections, or inflammation.
Laboratory Oversight: Managing hospital laboratories to ensure the accuracy of blood tests, urine analysis, and molecular screenings.
Digital & Molecular Analysis: Using advanced tools like FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation) and DNA sequencing to identify genetic mutations.
Consultation: Providing critical "frozen section" reports during surgeries to help surgeons make immediate decisions.

3. What diseases are treated by a pathologist?

While pathologists do not "treat" patients directly in a clinic, they are responsible for diagnosing almost every major disease category, including:

Cancer: Identifying the type, grade, and stage of tumours (e.g., Breast cancer, Lung cancer, or Colon cancer).
Infectious Diseases: Detecting viruses (like HPV or Hepatitis), bacteria, and fungal infections.
Blood Disorders: Diagnosing leukaemia, lymphoma, and various types of anaemia.
Autoimmune Conditions: Identifying markers for Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Celiac disease.
Chronic Organ Diseases: Assessing liver cirrhosis, kidney dysfunction, and heart tissue abnormalities.

4. Why choose Nanavati Max Hospital for a pathologist?

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai is a leader in diagnostic precision. Key reasons to choose their pathology department include:

Expert Sub-specialists: Access to eminent experts like Dr. Poonam Das and Dr. Anjali Bhutani, who specialise in niche areas like Transfusion Medicine and Oncopathology.
World-Class Technology: Utilisation of high-precision tools such as HyperArc and integrated Digital Pathology systems for faster, more accurate reporting.
Accredited Excellence: Labs are NABL-accredited, ensuring international standards for every blood test and biopsy.
Comprehensive Care: Seamless integration between the lab and the Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care, ensuring diagnostic results directly inform cutting-edge treatment.

5. How do I prepare for my first appointment with a pathologist?

Patients rarely meet pathologists unless they are undergoing a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy. To prepare:

Fasting Requirements: Check if your blood test requires 8–12 hours of fasting (common for glucose or lipid profiles).
Hydration: Drink plenty of water; it makes veins easier to find and improves sample quality.
Documentation: Bring your doctor’s prescription and any previous pathology reports or imaging (MRI/CT) for comparison.
Medication Disclosure: Inform the technician if you are on blood thinners (Aspirin, Warfarin) before a biopsy.

6. What should I tell my pathologist before surgery?

If your tissue is being sent for a "Surgical Pathology" report, ensure your surgical team provides the pathologist with:

Clinical History: Any previous history of cancer, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Symptom Duration: How long the lump or abnormality has been present.
Specific Concerns: Mention any family history of genetic disorders that might require special molecular staining.
Medications: Inform them of any hormonal supplements or immunosuppressants you are taking.

7. When do I need to see a pathologist?

You effectively "consult" a pathologist whenever:

A Biopsy is performed: To determine if a growth is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous).
Routine Screenings: Such as Pap smears, colonoscopies, or mole removals.
Second Opinions: If you have a complex diagnosis and want a sub-specialised expert to re-examine your slides.
Monitoring Treatment: When your oncologist needs to know if chemotherapy is successfully shrinking or killing cancer cells.

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Dr. Anil Handoo

Sr. Consultant & Director - Laboratory Medicine

Laboratory Medicine (Pathology)

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