Gynecologic pathology

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Gynecologic pathologist
Occupation
NamesPhysician
Occupation type
Specialty
Activity sectors
Medicine
Description
Education required
Fields of
employment
Hospitals, Clinics

Gynecologic pathology is the medical pathology subspecialty dealing with the study and diagnosis of disease involving the female genital tract. A physician who practices gynecologic pathology is a gynecologic pathologist. The term originates from the Greek gyno-(gynaikos) meaning "woman" and the suffix -ology, meaning "study of".

Gynecologic pathologists specialize in the tissue-based diagnosis of diseases of the female reproductive system. [1] This includes neoplastic diseases of the vulva, vagina, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tube, uterus, and ovary, as well as non-neoplastic diseases of these structures. [2]

In the United States, gynecologic pathology training typically involves obtaining a medical doctorate, followed by residency in anatomic pathology or combined anatomic and clinical pathology certified by the American Board of Pathology. Fellowship training in surgical pathology or gynecologic pathology are additional credentials toward a career as a gynecological pathologist. [3] [4]

See also

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Renal pathology is a subspecialty of anatomic pathology that deals with the diagnosis and characterization of medical diseases (non-tumor) of the kidneys. In the academic setting, renal pathologists work closely with nephrologists and transplant surgeons, who typically obtain diagnostic specimens via percutaneous renal biopsy. The renal pathologist must synthesize findings from light microscopy, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Medical renal diseases may affect the glomerulus, the tubules and interstitium, the vessels, or a combination of these compartments.

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The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to medicine:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaginal cysts</span> Benign growths of the vaginal epithelium

Vaginal cysts are uncommon benign cysts that develop in the vaginal wall. The type of epithelial tissue lining a cyst is used to classify these growths. They can be congenital. They can present in childhood and adulthood. The most common type is the squamous inclusion cyst. It develops within vaginal tissue present at the site of an episiotomy or other vaginal surgical sites. In most instances they do not cause symptoms and present with few or no complications. A vaginal cyst can develop on the surface of the vaginal epithelium or in deeper layers. Often, they are found by the woman herself and as an incidental finding during a routine pelvic examination. Vaginal cysts can mimic other structures that protrude from the vagina such as a rectocele and cystocele. Some cysts can be distinguished visually but most will need a biopsy to determine the type. Vaginal cysts can vary in size and can grow as large as 7 cm. Other cysts can be present on the vaginal wall though mostly these can be differentiated. Vaginal cysts can often be palpated (felt) by a clinician. Vaginal cysts are one type of vaginal mass, others include cancers and tumors. The prevalence of vaginal cysts is uncertain since many go unreported but it is estimated that 1 out of 200 women have a vaginal cyst. Vaginal cysts may initially be discovered during pregnancy and childbirth. These are then treated to provide an unobstructed delivery of the infant. Growths that originate from the urethra and other tissue can present as cysts of the vagina.

References

  1. "Gynecologic Pathology". 18 August 2016.
  2. Nucci, Marisa (2021). Gynecologic pathology : a volume in the series Foundations in diagnostic pathology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. ISBN   978-0-323-35909-2. OCLC   1140644418.
  3. "Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship".
  4. "Selective Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship".