who does what?

pathologist

Mission: To diagnose and detect disease by examining samples of tissue or blood.

Location: A laboratory, often in a very dark part of the hospital!

Skills: They are doctors who have specialised in different ways of detecting diseases - some look at tissue, others look at blood, others will look at microbiology (things that cause infection) and others will specialise in biochemistry (looking at changes in the chemical balance of the body).

Notes: Although you might not meet them, they are an essential part of your care. They help decide exactly what type of cancer it is and this helps the doctors know what treatment to give you.
pathologist
Last reviewed: 29/07/2007