Introduction to Pathology

What is Pathology?

• Pathology is the scientific study of disease, focusing on the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system responses to harmful agents.
• It bridges preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology) with clinical courses.

Definition of Disease

• An alteration in the structure or function of any body part or organ.

Illness

• An individual's reaction to a disease.

What to Know About a Disease

• Epidemiology: Where and when a disease arises
• Etiology: The cause of the disease.
• Pathogenesis: The mechanism by which a disease develops.
• Morphology: Structural changes associated with the disease.
• Functional Consequences: The impact of the disease on body function.
• Management: Treatment strategies.
• Prognosis: Anticipated outcome.
• Prevention: Measures to avoid the disease.

Manifestations of Diseases

• Symptoms: Functional changes experienced by the patient.
• Signs: Objective findings observed by a clinician during an examination.
• Lesions: Visible changes in tissue or organs.
• Exacerbation: A worsening of the disease.
• Remission: A period of improvement or decrease in disease activity.
• Complications: Unfavorable conditions that arise during the course of a disease.
• Sequelae: Aftereffects or lasting consequences of a disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Physicians or healthcare providers diagnose diseases through a combination of tools.
• Treatment is given to prevent or minimize complications and improve the prognosis.

The Pathologist

• The pathologist is the "storyteller" of the disease.

Pathology

• The scientific study of disease, focusing on the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ system responses to harmful agents.
• Acts as a bridge between preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.) and clinical courses.

Disease

• An alteration in the structure or function of any body part or organ.
• Illness is the individual's reaction to a disease.

Understanding a Disease

• Epidemiology: Where and when does the disease occur?
• Etiology: What is the cause?
• Pathogenesis: How does the disease progress?
• Morphology: What are the structural changes?
• Functional Consequences: How does the disease affect function?
• Management: What are the options for treating the disease?
• Prognosis: What is the likely outcome?
• Prevention: How can we avoid the disease?

Disease Manifestations

• Symptoms: Subjective patient experiences, such as a sore throat.
• Signs: Objective findings detected by a physician, such as an elevated blood pressure.
• Lesions: Visible changes in tissues or organs, such as an abscess.
• Exacerbation: A worsening of the disease.
• Remission: A temporary decrease in the severity of the disease.
• Complications: Unfavorable conditions that arise during the disease, such as a tumor compressing a nerve.
• Sequelae: After-effects produced by the disease, such as deformities following burns.

Disease Diagnosis

• Physicians and other healthcare providers diagnose diseases.
• Diagnosis involves a combination of tools and assessments.
• Treatment follows diagnosis to prevent or manage complications and improve prognosis.

The Pathologist

• The pathologist tells the story of the disease.