Location:
PATHOLOGY LAB - A REALM OF PRECISION AND INSIGHTS HIDDEN
Characters:
Dr. Ananya - Senior pathologist
Dr. Arjun Karthik – Surgeon
Dr. Vinay Mayur- Oncologist
Mr. Ashok - Patient
In the heart of a bustling hospital, the pathology lab hummed with a quiet intensity
as Dr. Ananya, a pathologist with a gaze as sharp as scalpel, examined a bone biopsy
(tissue sample sent in a container with formalin, a fixative chemical) of a young man
Ashok who presented with pain and swelling in left forearm to a surgeon, Dr. Arjun
Karthik. He suspects a benign tumour (non-cancerous) based on X ray and clinical
findings.
But Ananya, felt disquiet tug at her intuition. As she performed grossing
(Inspecting and sectioning of the biopsy specimen) of the bony mass which had
necrotic areas.
Looking at the histopathology slide (slide with thin section of the tissue stained
with stains Hematoxylin and Eosin dyes), Ananya leaned closer, a small round blue
cell morphology of the cells indicating a malignancy!!
“Intuition and experience were the cornerstones of pathology”
Intuition sparked, Ananya ordered immunohistochemistry (IHC), a technique that
uses antibodies to identify specific proteins expressed by the tumour, her key weapon
in this silent battle.
She analyzed the IHC stained slides under the microscope which painted a picture
of Ewings sarcoma. A cold dread settled over Ananya.
Consultations with the expert colleagues of pathology through digital pathology
using whole slide scanners (scanning the microscopic slide into digital slide to
examine from a remote place) and telepathology (diagnosing pathology through
telecommunication networks by sending high quality images or videos). All the
consultations confirmed the unsettling truth in this young male. The news devastated
Ashok and his family.
But amidst the darkness, there was a flicker of hope, because of the early
diagnosis.
Ananya explained the situation to Ashok and his family. “The X -rays can be
deceiving, Ashok”, she said. Lab work identified it as Ewings sarcoma, though sounds
scary, catching it early gives you a fighting chance”.
She conveyed the diagnosis to surgeon and oncologist. Weeks turned into months
as Ashok bravely battled Ewing sarcoma with chemotherapy. Ananya monitored his
progress in the lab, her silent war room. Finally, the news arrived - Ewing sarcoma is
responding to treatment. A wave of relief washed over Ananya.
One evening, as Ananya switched off the lab lights, she glanced at the
meticulously labeled slide- each a story of battle fought and won.
In the world of pathology, a symphony of hope played out, a melody composed
of stains, tests and tireless efforts of those who ensured a timely diagnosis. Silent
guardians who helped patients like Ashok write a new chapter in their lives.
Dr. Arjun Karthik entered the lab with a grateful smile. Thank you, Ananya, he
said. Your sharp eyes and the quick action made all the difference. We surgeons get
all the glory, but sometimes it’s the folks behind the scenes who save the day. Ananya
smiled back, a deep sense of satisfaction warming her chest.
The End
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