PathCare Kenya is renowned for its expert team of medical histopathologists with a wealth of experience in the field. Histopathologists are responsible for making tissue diagnoses which is fundamental for appropriate management of a patient. Biological tissue obtained from the patient via biopsy or surgery is processed and cells examined under the microscope. Histopatology is essential in diagnosing diseases such as cancer, pre-cancerous changes, inflammation and infection. Interpretation of the findings in conjunction with clinical history and liaison with the clinician is key to obtaining an accurate final diagnosis. Further advanced methods may be required
- Special stains
- Immunohistochemistry to identify subtype of cancer
- Tumour markers – inform clinical treatment with targeted therapies e.g. hormone receptors in breast cancer
- Molecular tests - flourescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to map the genetic material in tissues or tumours
- Stains to assess for infection – Ziehl-Neelsen stain to identify mycobacteria (TB), fungal stains
Histopathologists also examine cells in bodily fluids (cytopathology). The cells are smeared on a slide, stained and examined under the microscope. The cells seen can indicate whether there is infection, cancer or pre-cancerous cells. A well-known application of cytopathology is the Pap smear, used as a screening tool, to detect precancerous cervical lesions and prevent cervical cancer.
We offer a wide range of cytology tests including:
- Cervical cytology
- Cytology of material obtained by FNA (fine needle aspiration) e.g. from a lymph node, breast lump
- Cytology on fluid obtained from bronchial washings, urine, ascites, pleural effusions
At PathCare Nairobi and Mombasa branches trained pathologists carry out the FNA procedure.
