Richard D. Plotz, MD

Cytopathologist

Dr. Richard D. Plotz is a Cytopathologist in Needham, MA with special training and skill in diagnosing diseases by looking at single cells and small clusters of cells in tissue samples. As a Cytopathologist, Richard D. Plotz, MD performs microscopic examination and diagnosis of cells. Cytopathology is the detection of abnormal cells to diagnose disease. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Cytopathologists include cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Cytopathologists include scraping, sponging, fine needle aspiration, and pap smear.

A cytopathologist is an anatomic pathologist trained in the diagnosis of human disease by means of the study of cells obtained from body secretions and fluids, by scraping, washing, or sponging the surface of a lesion, or by the aspiration of a tumor mass or body organ with a fine needle. A major aspect of a cytopathologist's practice is the interpretation of Papanicolaou-stained smears of cells from the female reproductive systems, the "Pap" test. However, the cytopathologist's expertise is applied to the diagnosis of cells from all systems and areas of the body. He/she is a consultant to all medical specialists.

Cytopathologists in Needham, MA

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Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist

Dr. Richard D. Plotz is an Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist in Needham, MA with special training and skill in determining the origin, type, and severity of a disease. As an Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist, Richard D. Plotz, MD performs laboratory tests to detect and treat the causes of illnesses. Anatomic Clinical Pathology is the study of disease in bodily fluid, tissues, and organs. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Anatomic & Clinical Pathologists include diabetes and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Anatomic & Clinical Pathologists include diagnostic tests on blood, urine, sputum, feces, spinal fluid, pleural fluid, and belly fluid, as well as biopsy and autopsy.

A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical and physical sciences. A pathologist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion and monitoring of disease.

Anatomic Clinical Pathologists in Needham, MA

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