[How important is the clinical context for a histopathological diagnosis?].
A histopathological examination consists of two distinct phases: observation and interpretation. As a rule, macro- and microscopical examination give strong diagnostic indicators and the diagnosis is made instantaneously: the two phases are strongly interwoven. Also, the clinical context often provides essential clues as to the final diagnosis. A request for a pathology examination must hence come with clinical informations and a specific question. Yet, the pathologist has to keep in mind that the interpretation of what he sees might follow too enthusiastically the proposed clinical diagnosis. It is hence preferable for the pathologist to take note of the clinical context only after the microscopic examination has been accomplished.
Bosman
Fred T
FT
Institut universitaire de pathologie, Rue du Bugnon 25, 1011 Lausanne.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006653:Histology / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D010336:Pathology / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results