Pathological anatomy

What is pathological anatomy?

Pathological anatomy is a medical specialty that studies the structural and functional alterations of cells, tissues and organs that underlie diseases. Using advanced techniques, pathologists at the Ribera Povisa Hospital in Vigo analyze biological samples to provide accurate diagnoses that are essential in planning medical and surgical treatments.

Who is the consultation for? Accurate diagnosis for effective treatment

Our service is aimed at patients who require a detailed diagnosis of various pathologies. This includes everything from inflammatory diseases to tumor processes. An accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment and improve clinical outcomes.

Diagnoses and procedures

• biopsies: We perform biopsy studies, which involve extracting a tissue sample for microscopic analysis. This procedure is crucial for diagnosing various diseases, including cancer.
• Cytologies and FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration): Cytology is the study of individual cells to detect abnormalities. FNA is a minimally invasive technique that uses a fine needle to obtain cell samples from lesions or masses, facilitating a rapid and accurate diagnosis.
• Intraoperative biopsies: During a surgical intervention, we perform intraoperative biopsies to provide immediate diagnoses that guide the surgeon in making real-time decisions, ensuring the best care for the patient.
• clinical autopsies: We perform clinical autopsies to determine the causes of death and study the progression of diseases. This procedure is essential to improve medical knowledge and the quality of healthcare.

Advanced technology and methods

• Histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques: We use histochemical techniques to identify specific tissue components through chemical reactions. Immunohistochemistry uses antibodies to detect specific antigens, which is essential for the diagnosis of various pathologies, including neoplasias.
• electron microscopy: Electron microscopy allows us to examine cellular structures with extremely high resolution, providing details that are not visible with traditional optical microscopes.
• Molecular pathology for personalized diagnosis and treatment:
We apply molecular pathology techniques to analyse genetic and molecular alterations in tissues and cells. This information is vital for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, especially in diseases such as cancer.

Comprehensive Care in Pathological Anatomy

• Diagnostic review and second opinion of samples from other centers: We offer diagnostic review services and provide second opinions for samples from other centers, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnoses for all patients.
• Participation in clinical committees and multidisciplinary teams: Our pathologists serve on clinical committees and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient diagnosis and treatment.