Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diagnostic pathology for the cancer patient.
- Journal:
- Clinical techniques in small animal practice
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Newman, Shelley Joy
- Affiliation:
- Animal Medical Center · United States
Plain-English summary
For pets diagnosed with cancer, it's important for both the veterinarian and the pathologist to work closely together. The pathologist's job is to examine tissue samples to identify the type of tumor and check if the surgery removed it completely. Recently, a committee looked into what oncologists (veterinarians who specialize in cancer) need from pathologists to improve diagnosis and treatment. They found that the most important factors for choosing a pathology provider include reliable results, quick turnaround times, easy access for questions, a good working relationship with the pathologist, convenience, and cost. This research aims to enhance the techniques used in pathology to better support veterinarians treating cancer in pets.
Abstract
It is necessary to have a cooperative relationship between the clinician and the pathologist, because information from both is critical for determining the best case management and favorable prognosis. The principle roles of the veterinary pathologist are to describe the submitted tissues, to determine the nature of the tumor, and to assess completeness of surgical margins. Recently, the Council of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) appointed an ad hoc committee on oncology to evaluate oncologists' needs by polling members of the Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS). The committee's vision was to review morphologic, immunologic, and molecular techniques so that veterinary pathologists could meet the current and future diagnostic and prognostic needs of oncologic veterinarians. The factors determined to be most important to the VCS members in selecting a diagnostic pathology provider included, in order of importance: (1) reliability of results; (2) short turnaround-time; (3) easy access for consultation; (4) rapport with pathologist; (5) convenience of service; and (6) cost of service. This manuscript will attempt to review improved morphologic, immunologic, and molecular techniques to provide for the future diagnostic and prognostic needs of oncologic veterinarians.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831079/