Departments

Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

The Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine provides surgical pathology, which is the study of tissue to determine the presence of cancer. If cancer cells are detected, specific subclassifications are issued to direct the clinical management of the disease.

Our department uses the latest techniques to precisely define features of cancer that could serve as predictors of a tumor's behavior and response to therapy.

Clinical laboratory testing provides an important basis for monitoring cancer. For example, serum tumor marker tests can evaluate tumor response or progression. Other tests can confirm the presence or absence of organ dysfunction and/or therapeutic complications. Laboratory testing is also a key element in cancer screening and prevention.

The Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is an essential part of our cancer research program and provides anatomic and clinical pathology laboratory support.

Pathologists and other departmental professional staff offer important consultative assistance for surgical, medical and radiation oncologists. Subspecialty pathologists work in organ-specific teams to provide consultative and teaching input. The department also provides information and teaching to Beth Israel's cancer conferences.

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