The Ochsner Pathology Department is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

The Clinical Pathology Section provides vital information about the well-being of patients through clinical chemistry, hematology and microbiology. The valuable support of our Blood Bank contributes greatly to the recovery of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The Anatomic Pathology Section examines tissue microscopically during the diagnosis of malignances. Among our staff are physicians with fellowship training in cancer pathology and cytopathology.

The pathologic evaluation of biopsies and tumor resections provides histologic classification and staging information critical to the oncologist's determination of each patient's treatment options. We use advanced immunohistochemistry and genetic methods to help identify the origin of unusual tumors. Pathologic findings are reviewed with the clinicians at a weekly interdisciplinary oncology conference, as well as at conferences dedicated to breast, lung, gastrointestinal, liver, head and neck, genitourinary and hematologic diseases.

Cervical cancer screening was recently improved with the addition of liquid-based cervical cytology and human papilloma virus DNA probes. We have also contributed to the successful use of sentinel node biopsy in the management of breast cancer and melanoma. Our close cooperation with the Lieselotte Tansey Breast Center assures the swift and accurate diagnosis of breast core biopsies, correlating clinical, radiologic and pathologic findings in every case.

Members of our staff actively participate on the Ochsner Cancer Committee and support cancer research through involvement with the Ochsner Institutional Review Board.