Pathology Services

The pathologists at Stamford Hospital work closely with our urologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to provide the best possible biopsy interpretation service and surgical pathology evaluation.

Expert Prostate Biopsy Interpretation

Stamford Hospital was the first in the state of Connecticut to utilize an advanced histology system for slide preparation (The Symphony made by Ventana Medical Systems). This advanced instrument was designed specifically for biopsy specimens and has proven to be especially helpful in prostate biopsy evaluation. Because histology is so important in diagnosing prostate cancer, this slide preparation system gives the pathologist the ability to make the most accurate diagnosis. Prostate biopsies are all evaluated further with immunohistochemistry to assure that no cancers get missed and that all malignancies are confirmed. Stamford Hospital utilizes advanced immunohistochemistry platforms which makes very sophisticated testing possible. We routinely evaluate prostate biopsies using immunostains for CK903, P63, and P504S (AMCAR). Furthermore, because grading of prostate cancer and evaluation of prostate biopsies is of the utmost importance, all pathology biopsies are "double read" by another pathologist.

Molecular Pathology

Kidney tumors and testicular tumors are evaluated by a fellowship trained pathologist with interest and expertise in genitor-urinary pathology. Testicular tumors are complex and varied, and require careful evaluation and immunophenotyping to determine how much of the testicular tumor is seminomatous and non-seminomatous (comprised of different embryologic components). This basic distinction is important as it determines the use of additional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Tumor immunophenotyping is performed using advanced platforms which enables our pathologist to accurately classify testicular tumors. The same holds true for tumors of the kidney.

Expert Cytopathogy

Stamford Hospital has two fellowship trained subspecialty certified Cytopathologists (both trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center). Urine specimens are all evaluated using the thin layer method and when cell concentration is required, Stamford Hospital has the capability of making tissue blocks. Stamford Hospital is the only institution in the state of Connecticut with the Cellient Cell Block technology which makes this possible. Furthermore, because some bladder cancers can be difficult to identify, we implement advanced molecular testing for specific genetic abnormalities found in bladder cancer (fluorescence in-situ hybridization, FISH). Our urologic pathologist is also a molecular pathologist with expertise in this area. Bo Xu, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP is the Director of our Molecular Pathology program and interpretes all urine FISH studies done for the detection of bladder cancer.

Consultations and Second Opinions

All patients with the diagnosis of malignancy who come for treatment to Stamford Hospital have their pathology material reviewed at Stamford Hospital. This assures that the diagnosis of malignancy is accurate, provides for patient safety, and enables urologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to make the most appropriate therapeutic decisions for the patient.

Multidisciplinary Review

Our urologic pathologist works closely with our multidisciplinary treatment team at the monthly GU Tumor Board where select genitourinary cancers are presented for discussion and therapeutic decision making.

PSA Testing

Stamford Hospital has the most sensitive PSA test available. In 2007, we implemented and advanced clinical chemistry and immunoassay system from Siemens enabling us to do very sophisticated testing with minimal blood volumes. One of these tests is our "super sensitive" PSA test used in detection of prostate cancer, and monitoring of the treated prostate cancer patient for disease recurrence. This advanced testing is available at Stamford Hospital.

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).