Pathology Services
Our pathologists work closely with our GYN oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, and obstetrician gynecologists to diagnose gynecologic malignancies and provide the best surgical pathology service possible.
Expert GYN Cytology
The "PAP" test at Stamford Hospital is made better through advanced technology. All cervical sampling is processed using thin layer technology (ThinPrep and SurePath), and SurePath slides are all rescreened using automated slide profiling (computer assisted screening using Focalpoint Imager) which assure that "no cancers get missed". Furthermore, HPV testing at Stamford Hospital is done using PCR detection of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and genotyping of the HPV when identified. This is the gold standard which is the most accurate test for identifying HPV. Stamford Hospital has moved beyond the Digene Hybrid Capture II method in 2007 and is one of only a few select institutions offering this technology to its clinicians and patients.
Stamford Hospital has two fellowship trained board certified Cytopathologists (both fellowship trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center). In addition, Stamford Hospital has a molecular pathologist (one of only a handful in the state of Connecticut). Bo Xu, M.D., Ph.D is the Director of Cytology and Molecular Pathology at Stamford Hospital, and oversees all molecular testing.
Recently, another molecular test has been made available through the Stamford Hospital laboratory. Cytology specimens where a low-grade squamous intraepithial lesion (HGSIL, aka mild dysplasia) is identified in the setting of a positive high risk HPV, we evaluate if the virus has integrated into the host DNA and whether this puts the patient at higher risk for progression to cervical cancer. This test known as OncoFish, looks at 3 Q chromosome deletion which is associated with progression of dysplasia to cancer. We were the first in the state to begin this level of testing and we are the first to offer this test to our clinicians and patients.
Expert Surgical Pathology
Stamford Hospital has two expert GYN Pathologists, specializing in evaluation of gynecologic pathology material. Both have served as reviewers for the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), and have significant experience in evaluating gynecologic malignancies. Our expert pathologists are able to accurately classify gynecologic malignancies with the help of advanced laboratory testing, such as immunohistochemistry. The Stamford Hospital laboratory has advanced technical platforms for immunohistochemistry and a wide antibody library, which allow the pathologist to immunophenotype gynecologic (uterine and ovarian) malignancies. The accurate classification of tumors is important because it is that classification which determines prognosis and treatment options for the patient.
Expert Intraoperative Evaluations
Our surgical pathologists regularly work with the gynecologic oncology surgeon and our obstetricians/gynecologists during surgery to evaluate tissue during surgery for the presence of malignancy and to access surgical margins. Our frozen section accuracy is above national benchmarks.
Molecular Pathology and Genetic Testing
In addition to the molecular pathology testing in GYN Cytology, our pathologists work closely with the genetic counselor at Stamford Hospital to facilitate appropriate genetic testing in patients identified as being at risk for a genetic abnormality through their evaluation with the geneticist. Because Stamford Hospital is fortunate to have a molecular pathologist, the most appropriate testing can be performed in the most expedient way.
Monthly GYN Tumor Board
All gynecologic oncology patients are reviewed in the monthly multidisciplinary GYN Tumor Board at Stamford Hospital. This tumor board also serves as a teaching function for our OB/GYN Residency Program. At this conference, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and GYN oncologists review each patient so that best therapeutic decision making for the patient can take place. Stamford Hospital is one of few hospitals in the state of Connecticut that have a dedicated GYN Oncology Tumor Board.
Pathology Consultation
The pathologists at Stamford Hospital routinely review biopsy material and surgical material from other institutions. It is the policy of Stamford Hospital that patients receiving their treatment at Stamford Hospital have their pathology material reviewed. This allows for confirmation of a malignant diagnosis, ensures patient safety, and allows our team of physicians to make the best therapeutic decisions for the patient. This is routine procedure at all major cancer centers.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).