The aim of this coursework is to compare the similarities and differences scientifically between the cheek cell experiment carried out in the labs of our school and the breast cancer pathology lab.

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Lab Comparison

Science Coursework

THE AIM

The aim of this coursework is to compare the similarities and differences scientifically between the cheek cell experiment carried out in the labs of our school and the breast cancer pathology lab. Examples of the thing we have been asked to compare are thing like the method, procedures and equipment.

To observe what they do we went to the Hedley Atkins/ ICRF Breast Pathology Laboratory at Guys Hospital located near Tower Bridge. At this the labs of this hospital they do diagnosis, prognosis on breast tissue and do the treatment, if necessary.

Diagnosis means finding out what type of breast disease the patient has got. And to do this research the surgeon will have to carry out a biopsy on the breast tissue from the cancerous lump on the breast. The lab we visited receives three different types of biopsy from the surgeon. These biopsies are:

1.        Excision Biopsy:        The entire lump on the breast is cut and removed.

2.        Incision Biopsy:        A small piece from the lump is cut out and the rest is left on the patient.

3.        Needle Core Biopsy:        A small part of the lump is removed with a hollow needle and the patient’s tissue inside is ejected after the needle is removed.  

These biopsies are very organised and not muddled up. The cells of the breast tissue are stained with dyes to make it more visible, then these cells are observed under the microscope which are much more powerful and big than the microscopes found in our school labs.

After the cells are observed the pathologist will write a report on whether the breast tissue contains cancerous cell, also called malignant cells, or whether they non-cancerous cells, also called benign cells.

After a patient is diagnosed and it is found that there are malignant cells present the pathologists will give the characteristics of these cells in the report and then say how like it is that the malignant cells will spread and how quickly it will spread. This is known as giving a Prognosis.

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After the prognosis is carried out, the laboratory will carry out special tests on cancer cells and then send the results of these tests to the doctor who then will know what drugs are suitable to give to the patient. This process is known as carrying out the Treatment.


OUTLINE OF THE METHODS

Accurate Outline of the Hospital’s Lab Method

1.        The patient will notice the lump which may be cancerous.

2.        The patient will show the lump at the hospital where the surgeon will carry out a biopsy.

3.        All or part of the lump, depending on ...

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