Mark R. Wick

Evidence based pathology and laboratory medicine

Evidence based pathology and laboratory medicine / , Evidence based pathology and laboratory medicine / , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Diagnostic difficulties with the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma of the lung

Small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC) is a well characterized form of lung cancer that is frequently already metastatic at diagnosis. Thus, patients with SCLC are usually treated with chemotherapy, and therefore emphasis has been placed on distinguishing that tumor from squamous cell carcinomas, large cell carcinomas and other pulmonary neoplasms that can more often be managed surgically. SCLC can be readily and accurately diagnosed in biopsy specimens or cytological preparations, but in selected cases, it can pose difficult diagnostic dilemmas. This review discusses selected problems encountered during the pathologic diagnosis of SCLC, including its distinction from other neuroendocrine lesions such as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and carcinoid tumors. The role of immunohistology is also considered in this context.

Evidence-Based Approach to Evaluate Information Published in the Pathology Literature and Integrate It with Personal Experience

This chapter explores how to interpret and evaluate information published in the pathology literature and integrate it with personal experience using a systematic approach based on general EBP principles.

Introduction to Evidence-Based Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Evidence-based medicine is an evolving discipline that applies analytical and quantitative methods to evaluate the validity of available medical information, with the overall goal of identifying scientifically sound data or “best evidence.” This evidence is integrated to improve medical practice through clinical guidelines and other tools that are used for education, standardization of care, quality initiatives, and coverage decisions. The ideas of EBM have spread rapidly through medicine during the past decade and are recently eliciting a growing interest in Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Imaging of the mediastinum

Mediastinal masses can be benign cysts, neurogenic tumors, germ cell neoplasms, thymomas or lymphomas. The mediastinum is demarcated by the pleural cavities laterally. Superior to the mediastinum, you find the thoracic inlet. The mediastinum is usually divided into three main compartments: anterior, middle and posterior. This anatomical classification of the mediastinum is useful for the radiologist as the differential diagnoses of a mediastinal mass are dependent on the anatomical location of the mass—among other factors.