Unit 1 Lecture 1: Introduction to Pathology, Cellular Damage and Necrosis

Introduction to Pathology

  • Pathology: Study of disease nature, causes, and conditions produced by disease.

  • Pathophysiology: Study of how normal physiological processes are altered by disease.

Importance for Health Care Professionals

  • Knowledge of pathology and pathophysiology is crucial for health care providers (HCP) to:

    • Apply knowledge in their specialty.

    • Communicate effectively with colleagues.

    • Provide appropriate patient care.

Key Terminology

  • Diagnosis vs. Prognosis:

    • Diagnosis: Identification of a specific disease through evaluation.

    • Prognosis: Prediction of recovery and disease outcome.

  • Etiology: Cause of disease (e.g., congenital defects, microorganisms).

  • Iatrogenic: Disease caused by medical treatment.

  • Idiopathic: Unknown cause of disease.

  • Predisposing Factors: Conditions indicating a high risk for disease.

  • Precipitating Factors: Conditions triggering acute disease episodes.

Disease Dynamics

  • Prevention: Measures to keep illness from occurring (e.g., vaccines, lifestyle modifications).

  • Pathogenesis: Development sequence of the disease.

  • Acute vs. Chronic Disease:

    • Acute: Sudden onset, often severe (e.g., appendicitis).

    • Chronic: Long-term, can have acute episodes (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

Disease Progression Terms

  • Latent/Incubation Period: Initial stage with no clinical signs.

  • Prodromal Period: Early disease stage with non-specific signs.

  • Signs vs. Symptoms:

    • Signs: Objective indicators observable by others.

    • Symptoms: Subjective feelings noted only by the patient.

    • Syndrome: Collection of signs and symptoms occurring together.

Manifestations of Disease

  • Local vs. Systemic:

    • Local: Signs at the site of the problem.

    • Systemic: Affecting the body as a whole.

  • Lesion: Structural tissue changes, may be visible or microscopic.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Biopsy: Tissue removal for microscopic examination.

  • Autopsy: Postmortem examination by a pathologist.

Disease Course Terms

  • Remission: Subsidence of disease manifestations.

  • Exacerbation: Increase in disease signs.

  • Complications: Secondary issues arising from the original disease.

  • Sequelae: Unwanted outcomes of primary conditions.

Treatment and Outcomes

  • Therapy: Treatment measures for recovery or disease control.

  • Morbidity vs. Mortality:

    • Morbidity: Disease rates in a population.

    • Mortality: Death rates from a disease.

Epidemiology

  • Epidemiology: Study of disease patterns and occurrences.

  • Incidence: Number of new disease cases in a given timeframe.

  • Epidemic vs. Pandemic:

    • Epidemic: Large cases in a localized area.

    • Pandemic: Widespread cases across regions.

  • Communicable Diseases: Spreadable infections.

  • Reportable Diseases: Must be reported to health authorities.