What is Pathology:

A Hidden Science If you were at a party and someone told you they were a pathologist, how would you imagine that they’d spent their working day? Investigating the cause of suspicious deaths for the police perhaps? That’s certainly a side of pathology that has a high media profile and is often featured in films or television crime series. But in fact it’s far more likely that they were busy in a hospital clinic or laboratory helping living people. Because that’s the reality of modern pathology - it’s the hidden science that every day saves lives by helping doctors to make the right decisions.

Discovering disease

Pathologists study the causes of disease and the ways in which disease processes affect our bodies, or those of the animals and plants on which we all depend. Recognising the patterns that disease takes allows us to understand what’s at the root of a problem, enabling accurate diagnosis. And following up this understanding of what has gone wrong helps us devise treatments and put preventative measures in place.

At the core of all medicine

The science of pathology permeates all branches of medicine. The doctors who you meet in a surgery or clinic all depend on the knowledge, diagnostic skills and advice of some of the 4000 pathologists working in the UK. Whether it’s your GP arranging a pregnancy test or your surgeon wanting to know the nature of the lump removed at operation, the definitive answer is usually provided by a pathologist.

Supporting progress

The science and practice of pathology is promoted by the Royal College of Pathologists, which also ensures - through examinations and a programme of continuing professional development - that high standards of knowledge and expertise are maintained in all areas. This booklet aims to inform you about the work of pathologists and the College by explaining what is involved in the main branches of the discipline and illustrating it with real-life cases.

The hidden science that saves lives

A young science

Pathology is a relatively young science. Although the foundations were laid in the 19th century, it was only in the 1930s that it began to develop as a clinical discipline in its own right.

The first pathologists dealt with all areas of the subject, but rapid advances quickly meant that pathologists too became specialists. The Royal College of Pathologists was established in 1962 to co-ordinate this development and maintain the internationally renowned standards and reputation of British pathology. Today the College’s advice on a vast range of issues relating to pathology is sought by health departments, government organisations, industry, medical societies and academic institutions.

At the forefront of research

The achievements of modern pathology are impressive. Here are just a few: