Transforming Patient Education with 3D Models and Pathology Insights
Multidisciplinary Team
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a group of different healthcare professionals who work together to provide the best possible care for patients, especially those with complex medical conditions like cancer. Each member of the team has special skills and knowledge that contribute to the patient’s treatment and overall health. Here’s how it works:
Overall, a multidisciplinary team is important because it brings together different skills and perspectives to improve patient outcomes.
Learn more about MDTMembers of our multidisciplinary team:
Pathologist
Radiologist
Nuclear
Medicine Radiologist
Radiation Oncologist
Surgeon
Respirologist
The pathology report
Biopsy pathology report:
- Performed before surgery to diagnose the cancer.
- Pathologists examine the tissue under a
microscope and use the World Health Organization
(WHO) classification system, which categorizes
tumors based on their type. This step is crucial for
determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Surgical pathology report:
- Completed after surgery, focusing on the
therapeutic removal of the tumor. - This report evaluates the surgical margins, which
refer to the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor
that is removed during surgery.
Why Are Surgical Margins Important?
Surgeons remove some of the surrounding healthy
tissue along with the tumor to:
- Ensure that no cancer cells remain
- Lower the risk of cancer returning.
Negative margin
This means that no cancer cells are found in the surrounding healthy tissue. It’s a good sign because it suggests that the surgery was successful in removing all the cancer.
Positive margin
This means that cancer cells are
found in the surrounding tissue. This can be a problem because it might mean that some cancer was left behind, which could lead to the cancer returning
found in the surrounding tissue. This can be a problem because it might mean that some cancer was left behind, which could lead to the cancer returning
What is Pathology?
A pathologist plays a vital role in a clinical team by specializing in the diagnosis of diseases through the examination of bodily fluids, tissues, and organs. They analyze samples from biopsies to detect conditions like cancer and perform Pathologists provide critical information that aids in accurate diagnoses and treatment planning.
Diagnosis
Staging
Grading
Molecular Testing
Collaboration
Consultation
Monitoring
Education and Support
Diagnosis
The pathologist examines tissue samples from biopsies or surgeries to determine whether cancer is present. They look at the cells under a microscope and analyze their appearance and characteristics.
Staging
The pathologist helps stage the cancer, which means determining how advanced it is. This information is crucial for deciding on the best treatment options. They assess the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas.
Grading
Pathologists also grade the cancer, which involves looking at how aggressive the cancer cells are. Higher-grade tumors may grow and spread more quickly, influencing treatment decisions.
Molecular Testing
Many pathologists conduct tests to check for specific genetic markers or mutations in the cancer cells. This information can help doctors select targeted therapies that are more effective for certain types of cancer.
Collaboration
Pathologists work closely with other members of the MDT, such as oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. They provide critical information that helps the team make informed decisions about patient care and treatment plans.
Consultation
Pathologists may participate in tumor boards or meetings where the MDT discusses complex cases. Their expertise helps ensure that all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment are considered.
Monitoring
After treatment, pathologists may analyze additional samples to monitor how well the cancer is responding to therapy or to check for any signs of recurrence.
Education and Support
Pathologists can provide information and support to patients and families about the nature of the disease and the significance of test results, helping them understand what the findings mean for treatment options.
M.A.P.L.E.
Model for Anatomical Pathology Learning and Education
M.A.P.L.E (Models for Anatomical Pathology Learning and Education) is a platform that uses 3D models to simplify medical information, their diagnoses and treatment options.
Visit our modelsTNM Staging
This system was created to make it easier for doctors to talk about cancer cases, plan treatments, and do research. Over the years, it has been improved with help from many organizations and studies to make it more accurate and useful for patient care.
TNM in lung cancer, the TNM staging system is used to describe the extent of the disease based on three key factors:
This indicates the size and extent of the primary lung tumor.
This shows whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
This indicates whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
S1
Stage 1
At this stage, the cancer is confined to the lung and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The tumor is relatively small, usually less than 4 cm, and the impact is localized. The cancer has not yet invaded major surrounding structures.
Stage 2
The cancer is still limited to the lung, but the tumor is larger than in Stage 1, potentially measuring up to 7 cm. It may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or invaded nearby structures such as the pleura (the membrane around the lungs) or the chest wall.
S2
S3
Stage 3
This stage indicates a more advanced form of lung cancer. The tumor may be larger or involve multiple tumors within the lung, and the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, including those on the opposite side of the chest or near the base of the neck.
Stage 4
This is the most advanced stage of lung cancer, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the opposite lung, brain, bones, or other organs. This stage also includes cases where there is fluid accumulation around the lungs or heart, and the presence of distant metastases
S4
