Urologic Pathology

Procedure Description:

Spectrum Pathologists provide skilled interpretation in the diagnosis of genitourologic diseases in conjunction with clinical pathologic correlation.  Working in conjunction with urologic surgeons, the genitourologic pathologist ensures that physicians have access to the most informative and relevant diagnostic information available, by integration of new technologies and emerging science into daily practice, as well as access to full special stain and IHC menus.

Spectrum’s division of Uropathology is led by Dr. Michael Jones, who received subspecialty training in this area at Massachusetts General Hospital and is a member of the International Society of Urologic Pathology.  Dr. Jones has published widely in the Uropathology literature having interests in tumors of the testis, an area in which he recently authored a section in the most recent World Health Organization Classification of Testicular Tumors.

Spectrum Pathology is experienced in all areas of Uropathology, processing in excess of 600 prostate biopsies, 200 radical prostatectomies, 75 cystectomies and 75 renal tumors every year.  In addition to surgical pathology specimens, we process over 750 urinary cytology specimens annually.  Twice monthly, Spectrum pathologists participate in multidisciplinary care conferences focused solely on patients with urologic cancers.  This allows our physicians to have a unique appreciation for the clinical issues involved in the care of these patients.  Ancillary diagnostics include a wide array of immunohistochemical stains and Urovysion fluorescence in situ hybridization that detects critical genetic abnormalities associated with the development of bladder cancer.  Recently, Spectrum hired Dr. Karen Rasmussen who specializes in molecular pathology and is well positioned to continue to integrate the latest molecular genetic information into its diagnostic armamentarium.

Genitourinary pathology is the subspecialty of surgical pathology which deals with the diagnosis and characterization of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases of the urinary tract, male genital tract, and testes.