Beyond the microscope: expanding the role of cytopathologists

See, Test & Treat. See, Test & Treat is a pathologist-led initiative for free cancer screening and health education programs funded by the CAP Foundation. The goal of the program is to bring the power of diagnostic medicine to medically underserved and vulnerable populations. Initially, the program focused on providing Pap tests and screening mammograms with same-day results, but its success has led several participating institutions to extend cancer screening to other organ systems, including oral, skin, and lung. See, Test & Treat is a collaborative effort of several medical specialties, but it is primarily driven by pathologists, offering them a unique opportunity to take a leadership role in cancer care while increasing their visibility among hospital leadership.

Tumor boards. Tumor boards consist of multidisciplinary team members who discuss complex cases, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and collaboratively formulate treatment plans. The traditional role of the pathologist at these conferences is to present the salient gross and microscopic features of the tumor and provide the pathology staging. With the rise of personalized medicine, the pathologist’s responsibilities are expanding to include preclinical drug testing, assessment of prognostic markers, tissue triage for molecular testing, consultation on the feasibility of such testing, and interpretation of companion biomarkers. As personalized therapies become more prevalent, treatment decisions increasingly rely on diagnoses from small biopsies and FNA. This shift has elevated the importance of cytopathologists, who are often responsible not only for making the diagnosis but also for ensuring that sufficient tissue or cells are available for molecular and ancillary testing. Participation in tumor boards offers pathologists and cytopathologists a valuable opportunity to broaden their roles in treatment planning and decision-making.

Social media. Social media has become a powerful tool for pathologists to share knowledge and educate a wide audience, including other pathologists, health care workers, students, and patients. Platforms such as X and Instagram enable pathologists to efficiently share case studies, diagnostic challenges, research findings, and expert opinions. Pathologists often share on social media images of pathology slides with accompanying educational discussions, allowing others to comment on and learn from real-life cases. Educational initiatives, such as “tweetorials” and pathology-focused hashtags (e.g. #PathTwitter), have emerged as accessible resources for trainees and established professionals. The interactive nature of social media fosters collaborative learning and networking within the pathology community. Social media enhances specialized medical education and bridges the gap between expert knowledge and the general public.

Conclusion. The cytopathologist’s role has been evolving, shifting from primarily one as a diagnostician to one that is an integral part of the patient care continuum. Through procedures like FNA, engagement in consultation clinics, participation in See, Test & Treat, and active involvement in tumor boards, cytopathologists are expanding their expertise far beyond the microscope. This evolution not only enhances patient care but also underscores the vital contributions of cytopathologists in the modern health care landscape.

Additional reading

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Dr. Manucha is professor, Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson. Dr. Magers is staff pathologist, Trinity Health IHA Pathology and Laboratory Management, Ypsilanti, Mich. Both are members of the CAP Cytopathology Committee.