Introduction to Pathology And its rule in the diagnostic process

Dr: Wael H.Mansy, MD

Assistant Professor College of Pharmacy King Saud University

Definition of pathology
It is the Scientific

study of disease" system

.
to

"scientific study of the molecular, cellular,

tissue, or organ response

injurious agents."
Pathology serves as a "bridge" or "link" between the

preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.) and

the courses in clinical medicine.

What is the Disease?

It is the State in which an individual exhibits an anatomical, physiological, or biochemical deviation from the normal

Disease may be defined as :

an abnormal alteration of structure or function in any part of the body.

Classification of Diseases:

Developmental genetic, congenital. Acquired:

*Inflammatory Trauma, infections, immune,

etc.
*Neoplastic tumors cancers *Degenerative ageing. *Metabolic. *Iatrogenic: Drug induced.

Basic Language of Pathology

In order for a subject or course to
be meaningful, one should to that

become familiar with the basic

terminology applicable

subject.

Branches of Pathology
General Pathology Systemic Pathology Gross Pathology Cellular Pathology Surgical Pathology Clinical Pathology Immunopathology

Learning Pathology:

General Pathology

Common changes in all tissues. e.g.. Inflammation,

cancer, ageing, edema, hemorrhage .etc.

Systemic Pathology

Discussing the pathologic mechanisms in relation to various organ systems e.g. CVS, CNS, GIT..etc.

What should we Know About A Disease Definition. Epidemiology Where & When. Etiology What is the cause? Pathogenesis - Evolution of dis. Morphology - Structural Changes Functional consequences Management Prognosis Prevention

Pathology focuses on 4 aspects of disease:

ETIOLOGY: Cause of disease. PATHOGENESIS:

Mechanisms of development of disease.

MORPHOLOGY: FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES:

Functional results of the morphologic changes, as

The structural alterations induced in cell and tissues.

observed clinically.

Study of the cause of a disease"

Knowledge of etiology remains the backbone of:

Etiology

Disease diagnosis Understanding the nature of diseases

Treatment of diseases.

Study of the cause of a disease"

Etiology

An etiologic agent :

is the factor (bacterium, virus, etc.) responsible for lesions or a disease state.

Predisposing Causes of Disease:

Factors which make an individual more susceptible to a disease (damp

weather, poor ventilation, etc.)

Exciting Causes of Disease:

Factors which are directly responsible for a disease (hypoxia, chemical agents. etc.).

Etiology
Disease Disease

Disease

Disease

Disease

One

etiologic agent one disease, as Malaria.

Several etiologic agents one disease, as diabetes .

One etiologic agent several diseases, as smoking.

Etiology: What is the cause?

Environmental agents:

Physical Chemical Nutritional Infections Immunological Psychological

Age Genes

Multifactorial:
As Diabetes, Hypertension Cancer

Genetic Factors:

pathogenesis
The sequence events in the response of the cells or tissues to the etiologic agent, from the initial stimulus to the ultimate expression of the disease,from the time it is initiated to its final

conclusion in recovery or death

The core of the science of pathology the study the pathogenesis of the disease.

Morphology: Structural Changes

Structural

disease.
Tumor

changes in

in a cancer. Ulcer in an infection. Atrophy in dementia.

Gross

& Microscopic.

Clinical Symptoms & Signs

Clinical

symptoms

are

the

patients

complain usually by its own words.

Clinical

signs

are

seen

only

in

the

living

individual.

Functional evidence of disease which can be

determined objectively or by the observer" (fever,

tenderness, increased respiratory rate, etc.)

Necropsy: Gross examination of the animal cadaver by systematic dissection in order to evaluate any abnormal changes (lesions) that may be present. Autopsy: Synonymous to necropsy in human medicine Biopsy: Removal and examination of tissue obtained from the living body Euthanasia: Intentional putting to death of an individual with an incurable or painful disease by employing humane means

prognosis

Expected outcome of the disease, It is the clinician's estimate of the severity and possible result of a disease.

I hear, I forget I see, I remember I do, I understand

Chinese Proverb..