Pathologies of the Cell: What Being Sick Really Means
- MedReport Foundation
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
To some, a diagnosis of a disorder may be given shortly after speaking with a patient and
completing a physical examination. Demonstrating a macro diagnosis of a disorder. However,
what about cases that are unable to be diagnosed by physical examination? How are medical professions able to gain confirmed and specified diagnosis for cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma? How does this determine patient treatment or create novel therapies? The answer to these questions is the cell.
The Cell
Cells to many is a distant conversation from biology class where your professor or high-school teacher may have spoken about it generally, such as saying that the ‘mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell’ a common favorite of many students. However, there is a great and wondrous complexity to cells that provides a wealth of information on a living organism,
especially in pathology. Which as described by Merriam-Webster Dictionary is the “study of the essential nature of disease and especially of the structural and functional changes produced”(1). Medicine provides pathology and applies to many of the diseases seen today such as auto-immune disorders, cancers, chronic inflammatory diseases, and more.
Biopsy to Microscope
Oftentimes a provider may order a biopsy to have be examined, usually to diagnose disorders that appear at the cellular level (2). After taking a biopsy, the sample will be sent to a lab where Histotechnologists will take the sample and put the biopsied tissue onto small glass slides (pictured here). They will stain the slide with dyes (most commonly Hemotoxilin and Eosin) and then send the slide to be diagnosed. A physician known as a Pathologist will view the slide under a microscope and describe any abnormalities seen on the cells.
Diagnosis
Many disorders can be diagnosed through a biopsy and tissue examination. One example of a disorder commonly diagnosed via biopsy is Hodgkin’s lymphoma, described by Mayo Clinic in Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin Disease) as a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system (3). It can present itself in multiple variations such as “Nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma, Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma, Lymphocyte-depleted classic Hodgkin lymphoma, Lymphocyte-rich classic Hodgkin lymphoma, and Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma” (3). These variations are defined by their unique characteristics underneath a microscope shown in (picture). Additionally, a Pathologist can ‘stage’ (I, II, III, IV, favorable, unfavorable, or advanced) cancer providing the clinical team vital information on deciding treatment (3).
By detailing specific characteristics of the lymphoma treatment can vary based upon the type of lymphoma and staging. For example if it is early stage Radiation therapy combined with Chemotherapy may be the most effective options (3). Or in an advanced stage immunotherapy certain types of immunotherapy may be used (3). Regardless, the information provided to health care professionals from a biopsy is key in deciding the best course of action for patients.
Cells play an important role in all living organisms and discerning them is key to building a
greater understanding for biological life. Same is true for disease, cells gives a look at what a
‘Pathology’ truly is and what being sick is from a microscopic level. It is also integral to
advancing healthcare and treatment, the more about the cell that can be distinguished and
appreciated the greater in accuracy and precision medical treatment and diagnosis can be.
1. Definition of PATHOLOGY.
2026.https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathology.
2. What is a biopsy and why would I need one? Cleveland Clinic.
3. PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®): Patient
Version. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US):
Bethesda (MD), 2002http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65804/ (accessed 5
May2026).
4. CryoJane Tape Transfer System | Histology Research Core.
for figure)
