Pathology Specialties

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health pathologists provide expert interpretation of breast biopsies, lumpectomies, and mastectomy specimens. We work closely with our clinical colleagues in surgery and radiology, participate at tumor boards, and collaborate with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's breast cancer team. Breast cancers are tested for prognostic and therapeutic markers to allow the oncologist to treat the patient with the most precise anti-tumor medications.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's cytopathology team features multiple pathologists with subspecialty certification in cytopathology. We provide diagnoses on fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens of all body sites including pancreas, liver, and lung, as well as body fluid specimens. We also interpret specimens obtained by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic bronchoscopic ultrasound (EBUS).

Our board-certified dermatopathologists work closely with the Dermatology Department and the Melanoma Program to provide accurate diagnosis of both inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, skin carcinoma, and melanoma. We utilize modern diagnostic techniques, including molecular testing, when necessary, and offer direct immunofluorescence studies in diagnosing blistering skin disease.

The gastrointestinal pathology service offers diagnostic expertise and interpretation of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and liver, including gastritis, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, hepatitis, and biliary disorders, as well as gastric, esophageal, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Our pathologists work closely with clinical colleagues in the Center for Digestive Health to coordinate patient care, provide patient specific diagnoses, and ensure optimal treatment of every patient.

The genitourinary pathology service provides interpretation of prostate, urinary bladder, testicular, and kidney neoplasms and malignancies. Our pathologists collaborate closely with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Urology Department, including participating in the prostate and urologic tumor boards. New diagnostic techniques are used to enable the urologist and oncologist to tailor treatment for each patient.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's gynecologic pathology specialists work closely with the Gynecology Department to offer diagnostic interpretation of specimens from the cervix, uterus and ovary, including benign and malignant tumors. These specialists provide cutting-edge HPV testing for difficult cervical lesions and correlate all cervical biopsies with patient PAP test results. 

We have pathologists who specialize in the diagnosis of inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the head and neck, including oral and nasal conditions, as well as cancer of the thyroid and salivary glands. The team works closely with the Ear, Nose and Throat Department and participates in thyroid and head and neck tumor boards.

Our specialists in hematopathology interpret bone marrow biopsies in the diagnosis of lymphoma and leukemia. The hematopathology specialists also provide flow cytometric studies, cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostic studies for treatment and prognostication of hematologic malignancies. They work closely with the Hematology Department to provide each patient with the finest oncologic care.

Our pathologists evaluate lung biopsies and resections to make diagnoses of both inflammatory and neoplastic pulmonary conditions including lung cancer. They provide up-to-date diagnoses and work closely with their clinical colleagues in Pulmonary Medicine Department, thoracic surgery, and the Oncology Department. We use the latest molecular studies, such as the assessment of EGFR mutations, to ensure that our patients with lung cancer can be treated with the most specific anti-tumor medications.

The renal pathology team interprets native and transplant renal biopsies through a variety of modalities including histology, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. This team works closely with nephrologists and the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Transplant Center, as well as outside nephrologists to arrive at the best diagnosis of renal glomerular and tubular disorders.