Pathology and Pathological Disorders

Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology

Gastrointestinal pathology, which encompasses the study of diseases of the digestive tract including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, is a recognized subspecialty of surgical pathology. This field involves the detailed examination and diagnosis of diseases through histopathological analysis of gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies and surgical resections. Specialized training, often through dedicated fellowships or significant clinical experience, equips pathologists to accurately interpret complex GI specimens. Liver diseases, in particular, may arise from various mechanisms, with viral infections being a major contributor. Conditions such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are of global concern and can be vertically transmitted at birth through exposure to infected maternal blood. The field of gastrointestinal pathology plays a critical role in detecting, diagnosing, and guiding the management of these and other related disorders, thereby significantly influencing patient outcomes.