open access
Is telepathology worth being developed?
open access
Abstract
In pathology, similarly to other branches of medicine, and in particular in the field of visualisation techniques, the use of image transmission via the Internet for diagnostic or consulting purposes is being introduced. One of the reasons for this is the limited number of specialists. Currently, three basic applications of this technique can be distinguished: telediagnostics, teleconsultations and teleconferences.
In contrast to teleradiology where the basic subject of analysis is the image obtained by various visualisation techniques — in pathology, the basis is tissue or cell analysis. The evaluation of such material should be from the start in the hands of pathomorphologists. The transmitted image of the performed histological preparation may not be fully representative of the lesion being examined (cancer). In modern oncological pathomorphology, it is very often necessary to use special techniques such as immunohistology or molecular biology techniques to determine the
proper diagnosis. Performing such tests requires direct access to tissue or cytological material.
Telepathology can be used as part of consultations between reference centres. Modern telepathology techniques allow the use of these methods for training purposes, including the interactive participation of trainees.
Abstract
In pathology, similarly to other branches of medicine, and in particular in the field of visualisation techniques, the use of image transmission via the Internet for diagnostic or consulting purposes is being introduced. One of the reasons for this is the limited number of specialists. Currently, three basic applications of this technique can be distinguished: telediagnostics, teleconsultations and teleconferences.
In contrast to teleradiology where the basic subject of analysis is the image obtained by various visualisation techniques — in pathology, the basis is tissue or cell analysis. The evaluation of such material should be from the start in the hands of pathomorphologists. The transmitted image of the performed histological preparation may not be fully representative of the lesion being examined (cancer). In modern oncological pathomorphology, it is very often necessary to use special techniques such as immunohistology or molecular biology techniques to determine the
proper diagnosis. Performing such tests requires direct access to tissue or cytological material.
Telepathology can be used as part of consultations between reference centres. Modern telepathology techniques allow the use of these methods for training purposes, including the interactive participation of trainees.
Keywords
telepathology, frozen section, consultation, pathology education
About this articleTitle
Is telepathology worth being developed?
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Other materials agreed with the Editors
Pages
372-374
Published online
2018-05-23
Page views
562
Article views/downloads
654
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2017;67(6):372-374.
Keywords
telepathology
frozen section
consultation
pathology education
Authors
Włodzimierz Olszewski