Pathology (article structure)

Pathology is a core section in a standard Vetlucent article. This section provides a concise overview of the underlying disease mechanisms relevant to the condition being described.

Placement in Article

The "Pathology" section follows the Clinical presentation section and comes before Radiographic features.

Content and Structure

This section should begin with a short paragraph introducing the general pathology of the condition. For neoplastic processes, include the cell of origin when known. The goal is to help the reader understand what the condition is at a biological level, particularly in ways that relate to its imaging characteristics.

Note: Subtopics like "Risk factors" and "Associations" should be placed in the Epidemiology section—not under pathology.

The following optional subheadings may be used if appropriate to the condition:

Etiology

This describes the known or suspected causes of the condition. A bulleted list is acceptable. If risk factors or related syndromes exist, refer readers to the Epidemiology section.

Location

Use this subheading only if the condition has an unusual or noteworthy distribution within the body. Avoid including it for conditions whose location is universally expected (e.g. “splenic hemangiosarcoma” does not require a Location subheading if confined to the spleen).

Classification

If formal classification systems or grading schemes exist for the condition, link to a separate article or include a brief description here. These may relate to histologic subtype, behavior, or severity.

Macroscopic appearance

Describe the gross pathology of the lesion if relevant and known—e.g. color, texture, pattern of infiltration, or typical size.

Microscopic appearance

Describe the pertinent histology, such as cell morphology, mitotic rate, or patterns of invasion.

Immunophenotype

Include relevant immunohistochemical or cytologic markers used to diagnose or classify the condition.

Markers

Note any serological biomarkers that are useful for diagnosis, monitoring, or prognosis.

Genetics

If the condition has known genetic components (e.g. inherited syndromes or chromosomal mutations), provide a brief overview. This may overlap with content in the Epidemiology or general Pathology introduction.