The terminology of pathology

[wild0ne]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I was wondering if any of you seasoned veterans (or in-the-know rookies) have recommendations on how I can learn the terminology of pathology?

What I mean is that as a PGY-1, I am largely expected to be able to describe what I see - not necessarily know what it is. I often hear terms like, "pallisading", "arranged in fascicles", "nests", "cords", etc., but have no idea what these terms mean - or, vaguely remember them.

Is there a book, website, or other resource that is recommended for learning how to accurately and intelligently describe what I see? Or, if you can just share how you learned, that would be helpful too. Thanks.

 

[rockit]

The Practice of Surgical Pathology by Weedman-Molavi

It's gold.

 

[pathgrrl]

I hear you -- as a first year I was constantly confused by such things, particularly "salt and pepper chromatin". Really? Neuroendocrine nuclei don't look at all like salt and pepper. It's just the jargon.

Resources:

The book I found most useful for architectural patterns was "Histological Diagnosis of Tumours by Pattern Analysis" by Awatif Al-Nafussi and David Hughes. There is a system index in the back that is outstanding for unknowns as a first year, when all you really know is that you are seeing X kind of cells in Y tissue biopsy.

Second, check out pathoutlines.com if you don't already use it. Obviously, don't quote it to attendings, but it is a quick and dirty way to search text by organ/tissue type for some particular feature on a slide.

 

[wild0ne]

Thanks for the replies! I looked into (and bought) the Weedman-Molavi - it's exactly what I was looking for.

@Pathgrrl - yeah, I always have to use my imagination when the resident/attending says something looks like some other every-day pattern. Glad to know others find it confusing too. I'll check out the book you mentioned - as unknown conference is still pretty intimidating.

 

[rockit]

I hear you -- as a first year I was constantly confused by such things, particularly "salt and pepper chromatin". Really? Neuroendocrine nuclei don't look at all like salt and pepper. It's just the jargon.

Resources:

The book I found most useful for architectural patterns was "Histological Diagnosis of Tumours by Pattern Analysis" by Awatif Al-Nafussi and David Hughes. There is a system index in the back that is outstanding for unknowns as a first year, when all you really know is that you are seeing X kind of cells in Y tissue biopsy.

Second, check out pathoutlines.com if you don't already use it. Obviously, don't quote it to attendings, but it is a quick and dirty way to search text by organ/tissue type for some particular feature on a slide.

My attendings use pathoutlines to teach during sign-out.