anatomical pathology

Medical speciality that is concerned with the diagnosis of a disease through the observation of the lesions the disease causes in organs, tissue or cells (cytology). The main tool of the anatomical pathologist is the microscope (with all its technical refinements), and the object of his studies is the various samples that can be taken from a living (biopsies, smears, surgical removal) or deceased subject (autopsy parts). 
In disciplines such as cancer research, the contribution of pathologists is  essential in assessing the seriousness of the condition and to choose the most appropriate treatment.