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Histopathology is a specialty of pathology, and from a group of specialties within cellular pathology, which study organs, tissues and cells in the laboratory, by macroscopic examination, and by viewing samples at the cellular level using electron or molecular technology or microscopes. It involves studies which help to determine diagnosis or prognosis, a patient’s response to medical treatment, or a cause of death. Histopathology looks at specimens from all adult organ systems, excluding the nervous system. It involves complex laboratory work, surgical pathology, autopsy and post-mortem studies, and the sampling and analysis of organs, tissues, cells and body fluids, including microscopic analysis, and immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis. Cytopathology is a subspecialty of Histopathology, which focusses on the cellular analysis of body fluids, for example, cervical smears. This field works closely with clinicians across all medical specialties and helps to inform patient care.

Histopathology Jobs

Histopathologists take biopsies and surgical specimens from adult organs, tissues, cells, or body fluid, and analyse them in the laboratory. They run tests using special equipment and technology, interpret results, and undertake additional studies which help to identify disease, inform patient care, and monitor the effects of treatment. They undertake autopsy and post-mortem studies. Many histopathologists specialise in one organ system, and develop diagnostic capabilities and expertise in that area, including collaboration in clinical practice and care. Histopathologists may lead teams in the laboratory and the delivery of diagnostic cellular pathology services. They advise and consult with clinicians across medical specialties and primary care. To pursue a career in Histopathology, doctors complete foundation training and core Integrated cellular pathology training (ICPT). They then apply to undertake higher specialty training in Histopathology, which takes approximately 3 years to complete, can include higher autopsy and cervical cytology training, and leads to Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), a CCT (or CESR), and specialty registration with the GMC. Histopathologists can also formally subspecialise in cytopathology by undertaking additional training.

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