Abstract

In the diagnosis or exclusion of infectious disorders, the anatomic pathologist plays a critical role. The anatomic pathologist's initial responsibility is to evaluate the specimen to see if it has normal or abnormal histology (histopathology). If abnormalities are discovered, the pathologist will define the condition. Reactive or reparative diseases, dysplastic and neoplastic diseases, and inflammatory conditions, which include infectious diseases, are all classified using histologic and cytologic criteria. The classification of diseases has therapeutic as well as prognostic significance. A patient with a single lung nodule and a history of long-term smoking, for example, may have carcinoma.