Final answer:
A pathology review is a method of tracking and reviewing all positive findings, including the identification of diseases and abnormalities such as cancers, by pathologists who examine tissue and cellular samples. This process informs treatment decisions and affects patient outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pathology review is a method of tracking and reviewing all positive findings. Essentially, it involves a pathologist, who is a medical doctor specialized in the laboratory detection of disease in animals, including humans, examining tissue specimens to identify diseases. Pathologists examine biopsy samples and other cellular specimens to determine whether cellular changes are within normal limits or are abnormal. They play an important role in diagnosing various conditions, including cancers, and their findings are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment for patients.
For example, after a biopsy, a tissue sample is microscopically examined by a pathologist to decide if cancer is present and the type it may be, such as carcinoma or sarcoma. The pathologist's findings inform treatment decisions significantly impacting patient outcomes. Also, a Pap smear is a medical test where cells scraped from the cervix are analysed under a microscope by a pathologist to detect cancer cells if present.
Therefore, a pathology review is not just limited to identifying cancer but encompasses the examination of various diseases and infections that affect human and animal health. Pathologists use their analysis to guide clinical decisions, ranging from treating routine infections to managing complex diseases like cancer.