Lecture 2: Challenges of pathology Flashcards
What is the disease pathway?
etiology > pathogenesis > structural changes in cells and tissues (gross or microscopic) > clinical manifestations
What is the pathogenesis of disease?
Sequence of events in cells and tissues following the initial insult or injury.
What are clinical manifestations?
Symptoms of disease, clinical signs, therapy and complications
What are four types of aspirate and biopsies?
Cytology (morphology), microbiology, antigen expression, molecular studies.
What is fine needle aspiration?
Putting needle in region and aspirating/drawing in cells from mass (liquid aspirate).
Thus, look at the cytology of cells (microscope) and their morphology. - check health of cells.
What is a biopsy?
Takes all of the lump (or large tissue) and examined under microscope.
Shoes morphology (types of cells present) and architecture of cells.
What does antigen expression show?
Interrogate cell population by looking at which proteins are expressed -> defines cell population.
Stain the tissue with labelled antibodies and undergo flow cytometry to show the physical and chemical characteristics of the cells.
Clinical significance of HER-2 gene?
HER-2 is a proto-oncogene, codes for an epidermal growth factor receptor in cells. The HER-2 protein is overexpressed in 30% of breast cancer patients, with 90% is due to amplification of the GER-2 gene.
What is the significance of herceptin?
It targets the HER-2 gene.
Asbestosis:
Asbestos, composed of fine fibres, when inhaled can cause lung irritation. Fibres are challenging for the lung remove, and over time can cause Asbestosis w/ visible formation of granuloma in lung.
Many years after inhalation, they continue to cause cell injury through cycles of repair, regeneration, and fibrosis (lung and pleural).
i.e. mesothelioma - tumour on mesothelium surface.
