Anatomical Pathology

Anatomical Pathology is the study of organs and tissues to determine the causes and effects of particular diseases. It plays an essential role in diagnosing and treating several conditions, delivering critical diagnosis when symptoms and radiological examinations are inconclusive.

Because of its broad scope, Anatomical Pathology supports different fields of medicine. It is decisive for the diagnosis of different types of cancer, for instance, and specialists in Anatomical Pathology follow-up patients, stage the disease and predict the response to a given therapy.

Joaquim Chaves Saúde is at the forefront of Anatomical Pathology, with innovative technologies and highly skilled professionals. We are prepared to perform the most demanding exams and analyses, essential for a customized, effective, fast and safe treatment.

Areas of specialization

In Pathological Anatomy, cytology (the analysis of cells) and histology (the analysis of tissues) stand out.

Histology

Histology is the study of the microanatomy of cells, tissues, and organs. This exam involves extracting samples to diagnose lesions and assess their extent and nature (benign or malignant). This test can also be performed during surgery to guide procedures.
Cytopathology

Cytology or cytopathology involves examining cells from bodily tissues or fluids to determine a diagnosis. This exam requires biological samples obtained by scraping, peeling, or aspiration, to assess changes in cells. An example is the Papanicolaou test, a procedure in which a small brush is used to remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so they can be checked for cervical cancer.
Body fluids and secretions

The examination of body fluids and secretions aims to evaluate infections, inflammations, hemorrhages and neoplasms. It is common to analyze the microbiology of respiratory, urinary, pleural and joint fluid secretions, to verify the existence of cancer cells.
Immunohistochemistry

A laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens in a sample of tissue. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye.
Complementary techniques

Complementary techniques of cytogenetics and molecular biology (namely CISH, FISH, pioneers in the Cintec technique, in histology and cytology).

The Pathological Anatomy Laboratory of Joaquim Chaves Saúde is, since 2020, located in our CORE building, a laboratory reference with an unrivalled architecture and infrastructure and the most advanced equipment.

See Laboratory

Anatomical Pathology

Areas of specialization

Histology

Cytopathology

Body fluids and secretions

Immunohistochemistry

Complementary techniques