Overview
Surgical Pathology and cytopathology of neoplasms.
Orthopedic pathology
Current research interests include: 1. Characterization of solid organ neoplasms by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and 2. Quantification of tumor characteristics using digital cell image analysis. In cytology, current interests center around the characterization of neoplastic diseases: refining the criteria for FNA diagnosis of tumors, expanding the use of FNA in primary diagnosis, and findings of unusual lesions. A related interest is the correlation between cytopathology and histopathologic findings of neoplasms. Ongoing studies in the cell imaging lab concern the concept of tumor heterogeneity. Intratumoral heterogeneity, defined as the existence of more than one stemline of malignant cells per primary tumor has been documented in numerous neoplasms including: renal, ovarian, prostate, lung, gastroesophageal, colorectal, thyroid, oral and laryngeal carcinomas. In breast carcinoma, heterogeneity has been documented with respect to hormone receptors and DNA indices in a limited series of tumors. Tumors in this study are mapped and analyzed visually via image analysis systems. The rationale behind this method (as opposed to flow cytometry for DNA and conventional dextran-charcoal for ER/PR) is to sample multiple, discrete regions of tumor including the tumor/host tissue interface. This discrete region method most closely simulates the type and amount of tissues currently sent for analyses by conventional methods. Also, visual mapping allows for correlation with histopathological grade of specific regions. In the cell imaging laboratory, we are currently measuring simultaneous parameters and studying intraparametric relationships as well as looking for correlates to histopathologic features and clinical outcomes.
Orthopedic pathology
Current research interests include: 1. Characterization of solid organ neoplasms by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and 2. Quantification of tumor characteristics using digital cell image analysis. In cytology, current interests center around the characterization of neoplastic diseases: refining the criteria for FNA diagnosis of tumors, expanding the use of FNA in primary diagnosis, and findings of unusual lesions. A related interest is the correlation between cytopathology and histopathologic findings of neoplasms. Ongoing studies in the cell imaging lab concern the concept of tumor heterogeneity. Intratumoral heterogeneity, defined as the existence of more than one stemline of malignant cells per primary tumor has been documented in numerous neoplasms including: renal, ovarian, prostate, lung, gastroesophageal, colorectal, thyroid, oral and laryngeal carcinomas. In breast carcinoma, heterogeneity has been documented with respect to hormone receptors and DNA indices in a limited series of tumors. Tumors in this study are mapped and analyzed visually via image analysis systems. The rationale behind this method (as opposed to flow cytometry for DNA and conventional dextran-charcoal for ER/PR) is to sample multiple, discrete regions of tumor including the tumor/host tissue interface. This discrete region method most closely simulates the type and amount of tissues currently sent for analyses by conventional methods. Also, visual mapping allows for correlation with histopathological grade of specific regions. In the cell imaging laboratory, we are currently measuring simultaneous parameters and studying intraparametric relationships as well as looking for correlates to histopathologic features and clinical outcomes.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology
·
2012 - Present
Pathology,
Clinical Science Departments
Recent Publications
Cytopathology of mesenchymal chondrosarcomas: a report and comparison of four patients.
Journal Article Cancer · August 25, 2003 BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC) is an infrequent neoplasm, representing approximately 1% of all chondrosarcomas. Cytologic descriptions of MCs have been confined to rare case reports. In the current report, the authors describe their experience ... Full text Link to item CiteUtility of fine-needle aspiration in the diagnosis of primary osteosarcoma.
Journal Article Diagn Cytopathol · December 2002 Featured Publication Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a reliable, safe, and cost-effective procedure with a well-established role in the diagnosis of various solid tissue neoplasms. The role of FNA in the diagnosis of primary bone tumors, including osteosarcoma (OGS), is contro ... Full text Link to item CiteFine-needle aspiration cytology of articular and periarticular lesions.
Journal Article Cancer · June 25, 2002 Featured Publication BACKGROUND: The cytologic diagnosis of joint and articular surface-based lesions traditionally has been accomplished by examination of fluids or effusions. Although exfoliative cytology remains an accurate diagnostic test, not all joint-based lesions will ... Full text Link to item CiteEducation, Training & Certifications
University of Nevada, Reno ·
1987
M.D.