Health Care Providers: Pathologists
en español: Profesionales de la salud: Patólogos
Medically reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts
What Is Pathology?
Pathology (peh-THAHL-uh-jee) is the medical specialty that does laboratory studies of surgically removed organs, tissues (from biopsies), and body fluids.
What Is a Pathologist?
A pathologist (peh-THAHL-uh-jist) is a doctor who examines and interprets laboratory samples to diagnose medical conditions such as cancer or an infection. They also do laboratory studies after someone has died to help find the cause of death.
Why Would Someone Need One?
Pathologists diagnose conditions such as:
- bone, joint, and metabolic diseases
- endocrine and rheumatic conditions
- gastrointestinal tract and liver diseases