Anatomopathology
The work of those specialising in pathological anatomy involves both naked-eye and microscopic examination of organs, parts of organs, tissues and cells to search for a cancer, confirm its presence or determine its characteristics (extent, level of aggression, hereditary nature etc). This medical speciality is of paramount importance in patient care, as the characteristics of the cancer determine the treatment.
CONTRIBUTIOIN
After a surgical operation, the anatomopathologist receives the surgical sample and conducts a detailed examination of the tumour removed during the operation. After taking suitable samples, he then looks under the microscope to find every important element for allowing the aggression of the cancer to be determined. Finally, an anatomopathological examination determines the quality of surgical treatment before and after the operation: in particular, it allows surgical processes to be properly orientated and helps ensure that no cancer is left behind.
The contribution of anatomopathology to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to cancer is very significant, indeed a determining factor, at several stages in the course of a cancer.
ORGANISATION
At Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, advances in knowledge have led anatomopathologists to specialise and sectorise in various types of tumours treated in the Cancer Centre. They can therefore be at the forefront of knowledge in the field of oncology, to which they dedicate almost all their activity, remaining continually in touch with current developments. This provides their clinician contacts with key elements to ensure care consistent with ultra-modern standards.
Anatomopathologists are at the crossing point of many paths.
RESEARCH
As well as macroscopic and microscopic aspects, much research into pathological anatomy is currently aimed at better defining the nature of tumours. This means that ever more effective tools are allowing pathologists to identify, under the microscope, proteins that, when produced by certain genes, are associated with a more or less favourable development of a tumour. Progress in this field has led to the discovery of many proteins or “markers” that have provided a better description of a tumour and led to a better understanding of its nature, behaviour and potential development. Some markers can help with monitoring of other family members; their presence can indicate a possible hereditary nature, leading to a consultation at the Human Genetics Centre. In other cases, markers are used to advantage to predict efficacy of treatment. Identifying them, therefore, also helps optimise patient care. The pathological anatomy laboratory at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc can now identify almost three hundred different markers, mostly connected with the nature and behaviour of tumours.
The pathological anatomy department at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc plays an active part in developing national and European recommendations that set required quality standards for an anatomopathological examination. In fact, this examination should be conducted according to a specific standardised procedure, especially in terms of methods, numbers of samples taken, measurements to be made, description of lesions etc. Our pathological anatomy department applies all these recommendations for all types of cancer.
