Pathology Services
Our pathologists work closely with our oncologic surgeons, general surgeons, otolarygologist/ENT surgeons, radiologists, and endocrinologists to provide the best possible diagnostic and surgical pathology services.
Thyroid Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsies
Stamford Hospital has two fellowship trained board certified cytopathologists (both fellowship trained in Cytopathology at MD Anderson Cancer Center). Robert C. Babkowski, M.D., and Bo Xu, M.D., Ph.D. are expert in thyroid cytopathology and have built a regional reputation for excellence in this field. Most endocrinologists in Fairfield County who performed thyroid FNA biopsies send their specimens for evaluation to Stamford Hospital. ENT surgeons who performed thyroid FNA biopsies also send their specimens to Stamford Hospital.
In difficult cases, where the thyroid nodule is difficult to sample in the physicians office, patients are referred to interventional radiologists at Stamford Hospital, who performs the FNA biopsy with the pathologist. The specimen is immediately evaluated for adequacy and diagnosis. This close collaboration between the radiologist and the pathologist assures that the specimen is handled in the most appropriate way, and that the material obtained can result in the most accurate diagnosis. Stamford Hospital is the only institution in Connecticut to implement the Cellient Cell Block technology, which allows for concentration of the thyroid FNA sample and the creation of cell blocks. These tissue blocks allow for a more complete evaluation of the material obtained from the patient and enable the pathologist to reach the most complete diagnosis.
Expert Surgical Pathology
The pathologists at Stamford Hospital have significant experience in evaluating thyroid cancers, adrenal neoplasms and parathyroid disorders. Biopsy and surgical specimens are processed utilizing the Symphony System, an advanced staining technology made by Ventana Medical Systems. Stamford Hospital was the first hospital in Connecticut to utilize this advanced technology. It enables the pathologist to most thoroughly evaluate patient biopsies and surgical samples. In evaluating thyroid cancers, this is especially of most importance.
Frozen Section Evaluation
The pathologists at Stamford Hospital work closely with the ENT surgeons and the oncologic surgeon to evaluate thyroid tissue and parathyroid tissue during surgery for lesion assessment and margin evaluation. We are proud that our diagnositic accuracy on frozen sections surpasses national standards.
Intraoperative PTH Assessment
Because Stamford Hospital has advanced technology for immunoassays and clinical chemistry, we are able to perform intraoperative parathormone (PTH) assessment so that the surgeon can see the result of his operation for parathyroid adenomas while still in surgery. Parathyroid surgery is often challenging, and the identification and excision of a parathyroid adenoma is often no easy task. Thus, to assure the best surgical outcome, intraoperative PTH testing is extremely useful. It enables the surgeon to obtain the best possible outcome.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).