WHAT: Senator Edward M. Kennedy had surgery today at Duke University Medical Center to remove a malignant brain tumor.
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A biopsy of the tumor will be examined under a microscope by a surgical pathologist or in many cases, a neuropathologist, to determine the type of tumor and assign a grade.
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When a pathologist examines the tissue of the biopsy, two questions are asked:
The answers to these questions will help to determine the patient's treatment.
WHO: Matthew A. Zarka, MD, FCAP, from Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., who can offer the pathologist's perspective.
WHY: Dr. Zarka is a pathologist, a physician who examines tissues and fluids to diagnose cancer, including malignant brain tumors, in order to assist in making treatment decisions. He is available to explain how the pathologist makes the diagnosis and how, together with the primary care physician, the next steps are determined.
In addition, Dr. Zarka is available to share a personal message as his sister was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme) more than three years ago.
The College of American Pathologists is a medical society that serves more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.
CONTACT: Julie Monzo of College of American Pathologists, +1-800-323-4040, ext. 7538, [email protected]
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- June 2/
-- What type of brain cell did the tumor arise from? -- Do the tumor cells show signs of rapid growth?
SOURCE College of American Pathologists
