EXPERT
Dr. Jeff Sims
Pathologist
Dr. Jeff Sims is a pathologist practicing in Jackson, TN. Dr. Sims is a doctor who specializes in the study of bodily fluids and tissues. As a pathologist, Dr. Sims can help your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your medical condition. Dr. Sims may perform a tissue biopsy to determine if a patient has cancer, practice genetic testing, and complete a number of laboratory examinations. Pathologists can also perform autopsies which can determine a persons cause of death and gain information about genetic progression of a disease.
Dr. Jeff Sims
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Can the infection causing a pneumonia show in a blood test?
It can show up in your son's blood, but hopefully not. This is so because if it is in his blood stream, then it has moved from confined to his lung to being spread throughout READ MORE
It can show up in your son's blood, but hopefully not. This is so because if it is in his blood stream, then it has moved from confined to his lung to being spread throughout the body, or sepsis. This is true for bacterial pneumonia, but viral pneumonia generally is confined to the lung.
Forensic pathologist vs pathologist
I have previously answered this question. Please refer to the list of "My Answers."
My vaginal discharge is yellowish green with occasional blood. Why?
I am a pathologist, and not a gynecologist. Based on what you describe, I believe it probably is an infection, but I think your question should be directed to a gynecologist.
Best READ MORE
I am a pathologist, and not a gynecologist. Based on what you describe, I believe it probably is an infection, but I think your question should be directed to a gynecologist.
Best wishes
Best wishes
What is stem cell banking? Is it really worth it?
Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells that are the building blocks for virtually all of the tissues and organs in a persons body. These can be collected at the time READ MORE
Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells that are the building blocks for virtually all of the tissues and organs in a persons body. These can be collected at the time of delivery and stored (frozen) essentially forever. The stem cells can then be used to treat a variety of diseases now, and in the future, there is almost limitless possibilities of what science may be able to do with stem cells. Hopefully, you will have a healthy baby and never need them. However, stored stem cells are like an insurance policy for your child. If they ever needed a bone marrow transplant, your child would actually be their own donor with no need to look for a matching donor. They are the perfect match. The initial "processing" few from private companies generally ranges from $1000 - $3000. Then, there is a yearly "storage" cost ranging from $90 - $175.
I have single lymph node enlargement. Is this due to cancer?
It may or may not be related to cancer. Lymph nodes are structures/glands that serve as filters to fight infection. For this reason, lymph nodes can often enlarge when you are READ MORE
It may or may not be related to cancer. Lymph nodes are structures/glands that serve as filters to fight infection. For this reason, lymph nodes can often enlarge when you are sick, like with a sore throat, the flu, or a skin infection. These would be benign causes of lymph node enlargement. However, cancers of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) can occur, and this may cause lymph node enlargement. Also, cancers from one part of the body can spread to lymph nodes (metastasis) and cause lymph node enlargement too. The only way to know for certain is to have a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node performed.
What are the tests to confirm an infection of the stomach?
Most cases of severe acidity or acid reflux are not due to an infection. There is one exception to that which is a bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. READ MORE
Most cases of severe acidity or acid reflux are not due to an infection. There is one exception to that which is a bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. There is a blood, breath, and stool test available to test for H. pylori. Also, a biopsy of the stomach can be examined and tested for H. pylori.
What is GeneXpert test?
It is a nucleic acid (DNA) amplification test to detect TB from a sputum specimen. It also tests for resistance to Rifampicin, an antibiotic used to treat TB.
In how many days can a pregnancy be detected in urine and blood?
Of course, it depends on the type of test, but in general, it can be detected in maternal blood or urine in 8-9 days following ovulation. Good luck and best wishes!
Can HPV get transferred by kissing someone who is infected?
That is a good question. Most researchers believe that HPV can be transmitted by oral sex with someone who has genital HPV. As for transmission by kissing, there is more controversy. READ MORE
That is a good question. Most researchers believe that HPV can be transmitted by oral sex with someone who has genital HPV. As for transmission by kissing, there is more controversy. However, a recent study has shown more evidence that HPV may well be able to be transmitted by kissing. It is still somewhat up in the air. So stay tuned for the final answer yet to come.
What are the tests to confirm dengue?
The symptoms your daughter has could be caused by a bacteria or a virus. Most likely, it is a virus, and it is why she does not appear to be responding to antibiotics. The only READ MORE
The symptoms your daughter has could be caused by a bacteria or a virus. Most likely, it is a virus, and it is why she does not appear to be responding to antibiotics. The only reason to get a test for Dengue would be if you live in an area in which Dengue has occurred and your daughter had a mosquito bite. The most common test is a blood test that looks to see if your daughter has made antibodies against the virus. However, since there is no specific treatment for Dengue, other than supportive care, I'm not certain that getting the test will help. Most patients get better on their own in about a week. Very high fever (104F), bleeding, and severe pain occur in rare cases. These symptoms are serious and should be addressed right away, as they could be life threatening.
Why do they send a mole biopsy sample for second opinion?
Usually, when a biopsy is sent for a second opinion, it is being sent to a specialist. In your case, the specialist would be a dermatopathologist who specializes in skin diseases. READ MORE
Usually, when a biopsy is sent for a second opinion, it is being sent to a specialist. In your case, the specialist would be a dermatopathologist who specializes in skin diseases. It is possible that cancer is one of the diagnoses being considered, but it could be a number of benign processes as well. Sorry I can't be more specific, but it's really not possible without more information. Best wishes.
Immunizations for travel
I am not an infectious disease expert. However, you can find a list of recommendations at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/.
What areas of the prostate are used during a biopsy?
All areas of the prostate are involved in a prostate biopsy procedure. This increases the reliability of the results. As for what to expect, a urologist would be more qualified READ MORE
All areas of the prostate are involved in a prostate biopsy procedure. This increases the reliability of the results. As for what to expect, a urologist would be more qualified to answer this part of your question.
What is the Gleason score in my pathology report?
The Gleason score is the sum of the primary and secondary patterns of cancer referred to as Gleason grades. So, Gleason grade 3 + Gleason graded 4 for a total Gleason score 7. READ MORE
The Gleason score is the sum of the primary and secondary patterns of cancer referred to as Gleason grades. So, Gleason grade 3 + Gleason graded 4 for a total Gleason score 7. The Gleason score is recommended in all prostate specimens with adenocarcinoma. It is used to guide individual treatment decisions. A Gleason 3+4 is different than 4+3 as it correlates with recurrence risk and prognosis.
UTIs (male) with no symptoms?
Urine should be a sterile fluid, meaning that bacteria should not be present. If the specimen is not collected correctly, it can be falsely positive for the presence of bacteria. READ MORE
Urine should be a sterile fluid, meaning that bacteria should not be present. If the specimen is not collected correctly, it can be falsely positive for the presence of bacteria. It would be unlikely not to experience symptoms if it were truly positive. I am not a urologist who would be better suited to answer the possible meaning of this finding.
Prostate pathology report
Most cancers of the prostate develop from glands of the prostate when they begin to abnormally grow or "invade" into other prostate tissues. High grade PIN is a change in the READ MORE
Most cancers of the prostate develop from glands of the prostate when they begin to abnormally grow or "invade" into other prostate tissues. High grade PIN is a change in the prostate glands that is recognized as abnormal, but it remains contained within the glands and hasn't "invaded" the other prostate tissues. In other words, it is like a pre-cancer. High grade PIN can change into cancer over time, but it does not necessarily do that. This means you are at increased risk of developing prostate compared to a man without it. This is why you should follow-up with your urologist at recommended intervals.
Forensic pathologist vs pathologist
Pathology is divided into two broad categories, anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. Most pathologists train in both fields. Anatomic pathology includes autopsy pathology READ MORE
Pathology is divided into two broad categories, anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. Most pathologists train in both fields. Anatomic pathology includes autopsy pathology or post-mortem examination. Forensic pathology is a subspeciality of anatomic pathology which requires a year or more additional training. A forensic pathologist determines a cause of death, mostly by an autopsy, but may also involve crime scene investigation, like the character "Duckie" on NCIS. Most forensic pathologists serve a state appointed position as Medical Examiner. Although most of their cases are criminal, they sometimes are involved with civil cases too. A general pathologist usually works in a hospital based setting and performs autopsies on hospital patients who die of natural causes. However, this is a minor part of their duties which predominantly involve directorship of the hospital labs and diagnosing biopsy and surgical specimens.
Breast cancer biopsy
I must presume you are asking about needle core biopsy, a relatively thin sample, versus a stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy, which is a larger caliber biopsy. The actual answer READ MORE
I must presume you are asking about needle core biopsy, a relatively thin sample, versus a stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy, which is a larger caliber biopsy. The actual answer to your question is that it doesn't matter which is used, as long as the lesion or mass is actually biopsied. If it is, then either one can provide a diagnosis. However, there is a chance for either method to miss the lesion, and then a diagnosis cannot be made. Obviously, the larger biopsy sample increases the odds of hitting the lesion. Coupling either biopsy method with ultrasound or radiographic imaging increases the odds of obtaining a diagnostic biopsy sample.
Is pathology of pleomorphic adenoma accurate?
FNA is generally accurate in making a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. However, it only samples a very small fraction of the lesion. There is no way to be 100 percent certain READ MORE
FNA is generally accurate in making a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. However, it only samples a very small fraction of the lesion. There is no way to be 100 percent certain that there is no malignancy until the tumor is examined after surgery. With that said, chances are well in your favor of the diagnosis and of no malignancy being discovered.
Best wishes. Stay positive.
Best wishes. Stay positive.
