Dr. Dittmann - What is Pathology?
Dr. Carol Dittmann is a pathologist practicing in Lawton, OK. Dr. Dittmann is a doctor who specializes in the study of bodily fluids and tissues. As a pathologist, Dr. Dittmann can help your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your medical condition. Dr. Dittmann may perform a tissue biopsy to determine if a patient... more
Pathology is a branch of medical science that uses the scientific study to discover disease progression and causes. The field of pathology involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies in order to study and diagnose disease. General pathology involves the study of the mechanisms behind cell and tissue injury, and how the body responds to and repairs injury. This includes the study of necrosis, neoplasia, wound healing, inflammation, and how cells adapt to injury. This field covers areas of pathology, but at a less specialized level. An individual working in general pathology would be trained in the areas of laboratory analysis, including hematology and clinical chemistry.
Anatomical pathology focuses on the study and diagnosis of illness through microscopic analysis of samples from bodily fluids, tissues, organs, and even the entire body or autopsy. Anatomical pathologists examine a cell’s appearance, its anatomical make-up, and chemical signatures. Clinical pathology looks at the analysis of blood, urine, and tissue samples to examine and diagnose disease. Clinical pathologists may analyze blood count, blood clotting, and electrolyte results. They are trained in microbiology, hematology or blood banking, but not at the same level of expertise as someone who specialized.
