Is telepathology worth being developed

Abstract

In pathology, similarly to other branches of medicine, and in particular in the field of visualisation techniques, the use of image transmission via the Internet for diagnostic or consulting purposes is being introduced. One of the reasons for this is the limited number of specialists. Currently, three basic applications of this technique can be distinguished: telediagnostics, teleconsultations and teleconferences. In contrast to teleradiology where the basic subject of analysis is the image obtained by various visualisation techniques — in pathology, the basis is tissue or cell analysis. The evaluation of such material should be from the start in the hands of pathomorphologists. The transmitted image of the performed histological preparation may not be fully representative of the lesion being examined (cancer). In modern oncological pathomorphology, it is very often necessary to use special techniques such as immunohistology or molecular biology techniques to determine the proper diagnosis. Performing such tests requires direct access to tissue or cytological material. Telepathology can be used as part of consultations between reference centres. Modern telepathology techniques allow the use of these methods for training purposes, including the interactive participation of trainees.