PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-2228
Maria Luísa Sacramento, João Menino, Vitor Proa, Bárbara Viamonte, João Sérgio Neves, Elisabete Rios
{"title":"Breast carcinoma metastasizing to an adrenocortical adenoma: a case of tumour-to-tumour metastasis.","authors":"Maria Luísa Sacramento, João Menino, Vitor Proa, Bárbara Viamonte, João Sérgio Neves, Elisabete Rios","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-2228","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-2228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tumor-to-tumor metastasis (TTM) refers to a malignant tumor metastasizing to a second, distict tumor. It is a rare phenomenon and the most common donor organs are the lung and breast. Here in, we report a case of TTM metastasis of breast carcinoma metastasizing to an adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) in a 40-year-old woman. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in which TTM of breast carcinoma metastasizes to an ACA.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"145-147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187867/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1977
Ludovica Pepe, Vincenzo Fiorentino, Antonio Ieni, Mariacarmela Santarpia, Antonina Fazio, Mario Vaccaro, Francesco Borgia, Gerardo Ferrara, Maria Lentini
{"title":"Metastatic melanoma with heterologous bone after neoadjuvant immunotherapy: diagnostic insights.","authors":"Ludovica Pepe, Vincenzo Fiorentino, Antonio Ieni, Mariacarmela Santarpia, Antonina Fazio, Mario Vaccaro, Francesco Borgia, Gerardo Ferrara, Maria Lentini","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1977","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report a BRAF V600E-mutated cutaneous melanoma (pT3b) with nodal metastases treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy. Axillary lymph node dissection demonstrated residual viable melanoma intimately associated with extensive heterologous lamellar bone formation within the post-treatment tumor bed. Histologic assessment supported a melanoma-related heterologous component rather than a purely reactive stromal phenomenon, underscoring a relevant diagnostic pitfall in treated specimens. The observation also has practical implications for pathological response evaluation after neoadjuvant immunotherapy: in this case, the osseous component was integrated into the viable tumor compartment to avoid underestimation of residual disease. Overall, this case exemplifies the evolving morphobiological spectrum of melanoma in the immunotherapy era, and emphasizes that careful correlation of morphology with the clinical context remains the mainstay to avoid misinterpretation, particularly when uncommon heterologous or metaplastic patterns emerge after immune checkpoint blockade.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"142-144"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187889/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1763
Laura Nonnis, Lorenzo Putzu, Michela Vincis, Stefano Guerriero, Marco Palomba, Alessio Rocca, Daniela Fanni Clara Gerosa, Marcello Trucas
{"title":"AI for cervical cancer screening on whole slide images: opportunities with open-source simple tools.","authors":"Laura Nonnis, Lorenzo Putzu, Michela Vincis, Stefano Guerriero, Marco Palomba, Alessio Rocca, Daniela Fanni Clara Gerosa, Marcello Trucas","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1763","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cervical cancer remains a major global health burden, where early detection is critical. Cytological and histological assessments aim to identify precancerous squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). While artificial intelligence and machine learning have shown promise, most approaches rely on cytology or are not tailored for SIL classification. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a weakly supervised, pixel-level machine learning framework for the histological classification of low grade and high grade SIL in whole slide images (WSIs). Specifically, we sought to assess whether an open source segmentation pipeline trained on sparsely annotated WSIs could accurately support slide-level diagnostic interpretation while minimizing annotation burden and maintaining clinical interpretability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We propose a weakly supervised machine learning framework for classifying low grade and high grade SILs in whole-slide histological images. Using Random Forest classifiers for pixel-level segmentation, the system mimics pathologists by quantifying tissue components. Training required only sparse annotations from a limited set of WSIs, yielding millions of pixel-level samples and reducing annotation burden.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Applied on a test set of 309 cervical WSIs, the system achieved over 96% concordance with expert pathologists, correctly distinguishing low grade LSIL, high grade HSIL, and normal epithelium, with only one false negative and a 7-10 false positives, depending on the used model.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our approach offers accurate, interpretable, and low-cost diagnostic support, with potential for integration into routine workflows, especially in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"85-95"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1936
Domenico Vitale, Lorenzo Colarossi, Gianluca Russo, Claudia Scimone, Domenico Cozzolino, Caterina De Luca, Andrey D Prjibelski, Alla Mikheenko, Cristina Colarossi, Francesco Delli Muti, Francesco Pepe, Lorenzo Memeo, Giancarlo Troncone, Lucia Anna Muscarella, Umberto Malapelle
{"title":"Technical feasibility of a long read, fourth generation sequencing platform in diagnostic profiling of clinical routine samples: a proof-of-concept study.","authors":"Domenico Vitale, Lorenzo Colarossi, Gianluca Russo, Claudia Scimone, Domenico Cozzolino, Caterina De Luca, Andrey D Prjibelski, Alla Mikheenko, Cristina Colarossi, Francesco Delli Muti, Francesco Pepe, Lorenzo Memeo, Giancarlo Troncone, Lucia Anna Muscarella, Umberto Malapelle","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1936","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1936","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Next generation sequencing (NGS) impacted on clinical algorithm of solid tumor patients. A heterogeneous series of NGS platforms have been implemented in clinical practice but challenging handling procedures, high technical costs, and scant affordability on sequencing diagnostic routine specimens can leave behind some patients who could benefit from target drugs. Here, we sought to evaluate technical feasibility of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing accurate identification of tumor-associated molecular alterations, in a pilot series of real-world samples.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We developed a technical workflow adapting the SiRe® NGS panel, originally designed for Ion semiconductor sequencing, on MinION platform (Oxford nanopore technologies), a portable, cost effective long read sequencer. The SiRe® panel enables detection of ٥٦٨ clinically actionable somatic mutations across six key genes (<i>EGFR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, cKIT, PDGFRα</i>) relevant to targeted therapies in several solid tumors. We implemented a multiplexed assay using pooled and barcoded samples, processed on a single MinION flow cell. Performance was benchmarked from a pilot series of nine FFPE samples against Ion Torrent sequencing data. A single liquid biopsy sample was also analyzed testing accuracy of MinION technology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The adapted ONT workflow demonstrated high concordance ratei in detecting clinically relevant molecular alterations on short-read fragments, achieving comparable accuracy with standardized second generation NGS platforms on tissue and liquid biopsy samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This proof of concept aimed to integrate ONT sequencing into molecular oncology workflows, providing practical, low-cost, and scalable alternative to conventional NGS platforms. The results support the potential of ONT technology to democratize access to precision oncology, particularly in laboratories with limited resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"118-125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187868/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1804
Rosanna Zamparese, Margherita Neri, Giovanni Tossetta, Massimo Senati, Francesco Brandimarti, Francesca Licitra, Dario Piombino-Mascali, Ginevra Malta, Angelo Montana
{"title":"Histological insights into sudden, unexpected death due to tuberculosis: two autopsy case reports and review of the literature.","authors":"Rosanna Zamparese, Margherita Neri, Giovanni Tossetta, Massimo Senati, Francesco Brandimarti, Francesca Licitra, Dario Piombino-Mascali, Ginevra Malta, Angelo Montana","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1804","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report two singular cases of sudden death in which the cause was advanced tuberculosis infection. In the first case, a 24-year-old man died suddenly following massive hemoptysis due to erosion of the pulmonary vessels. The second case involved a 29-year-old man who died unexpectedly from asphyxia secondary to hemoptysis caused by fibrocavitatory tuberculosis. Toxicological screening and HIV testing were negative in both cases. Medico-legal autopsy, combined with detailed histological examination, was essential to determine the exact cause of death.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"134-137"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187870/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1868
Ezio Fulcheri, Jennifer Belfiore, Carlo Bellini, Sharon Duzioni, Francesca Buffelli, Alessandro Bonsignore
{"title":"Nodular fibromuscular villous stromal dysplasia (NFMVSD): forensic insights into fetal/neonatal outcomes.","authors":"Ezio Fulcheri, Jennifer Belfiore, Carlo Bellini, Sharon Duzioni, Francesca Buffelli, Alessandro Bonsignore","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1868","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the frequency, morphological features, and perinatal/forensic relevance of nodular fibromuscular villous stromal dysplasia (NFMVSD) in a large retrospective placental series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Placentas examined between 2014-2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Cases fulfilling diagnostic criteria for NFMVSD were re-evaluated macro- and microscopically, with smooth muscle actin and desmin immunostains when required. Placental weight centiles, lesion distribution, associated abnormalities, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>NFMVSD was identified in 27 placentas (1.34%), mainly involving second-/third-order villi with multifocal nodular growth. Sixty-three percent were below the 25th weight percentile. Common findings included hypoxic distress (55%), stem vessel sclerosis (39%), and villous immaturity or dysmaturity (42%). Two intrauterine deaths (6%), four neonatal deaths (14%), and congenital anomalies (32%) occurred.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>NFMVSD represents a distinct placental lesion with medicolegal significance, often associated with low placental weight, vascular changes, and hypoxic features. Its recognition may help clarify unexplained fetal or neonatal deaths. Standardized criteria and multicenter studies are required to refine its clinical and forensic implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"108-117"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187874/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1823
Giuseppe Maggioni, Omar El Mnif, Eleonora Faccioli, Monica Loy, Francesca Lunardi, Marco Schiavon, Fiorella Calabrese
{"title":"Lymphangitic breast cancer in explanted lungs with interstitial lung disease: an unexpected finding.","authors":"Giuseppe Maggioni, Omar El Mnif, Eleonora Faccioli, Monica Loy, Francesca Lunardi, Marco Schiavon, Fiorella Calabrese","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1823","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1823","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 60-year-old woman with end-stage fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) underwent bilateral lung transplantation. Systematic histological analysis of the explanted lungs revealed extensive lymphangitic carcinomatosis and hilar lymph node metastases from a previously undiagnosed breast carcinoma. Retrospective imaging review identified a suspicious mammographic finding that had not been further investigated. The patient was later diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and passed away at 12 months post-transplant.</p><p><p>This case emphasizes the challenging diagnosis of neoplasia in end-stage lung disease.</p><p><p>The incidence of malignancies in explanted lungs is approximately 1.65%, with metastatic cases being extremely rare.</p><p><p>This report underscores the importance of thorough histopathological evaluation of explant lungs, advocating for standardized examination protocols to improve the accuracy and depth of pathological diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"138-141"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187888/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Golden rules for optimizing the diagnostic pathway of IDH-mutant tumors: bridging evidence and clinical practice in cholangiocarcinoma and adult-type diffuse gliomas.","authors":"Manila Antonelli, Valeria Barresi, Luca Bertero, Bruno Daniele, Matteo Fassan, Umberto Malapelle, Nicola Normanno, Giancarlo Pruneri, Aldo Scarpa","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1812","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1812","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes are key biomarkers in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and adult-type diffuse gliomas, although real-world adoption of comprehensive molecular diagnostics remains uneven. This review aimed to integrate published evidence, clinical experience, and international guidelines to provide pragmatic recommendations that can standardize IDH testing across healthcare systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multidisciplinary panel synthesized data identified through 10 PICO-driven questions, critically appraised guideline statements from ESMO, EANO, NCCN, and WHO-CNS5, and incorporated insights from clinical evidence on IDH molecular profiling in CCA patients. Recommendations were developed through interactive expert discussion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The panel addressed six issues: (i) positioning of next-generation sequencing (NGS) as a first-line assay; (ii) using liquid biopsy to supplement inadequate or uninformative tissue-based molecular analyses; (iii) tumor-adapted workflows combining immunohistochemistry, PCR, or NGS with large genomic panels; (iv) optimizing pre-analytical management of small biopsies in terms of neoplastic cell abundance and nucleic acid fragmentation to safeguard material for integrated testing; (v) evaluating promising biomarkers based on genome-wide methylation profiling and metabolic imaging in specialized centers; and (vi) novel testing strategies including centralized and decentralized algorithms. In addition, emerging approaches based on digital pathology, teleconsultation, and harmonized reimbursement pathways were discussed. These considerations were distilled into a set of \"Golden Rules.\"</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Optimized molecular profiling is a cornerstone of precision oncology in IDH-mutant tumors, but the lack of harmonized procedures hinders its widespread implementation in the clinical setting. In intrahepatic CCA, upfront NGS should be prioritized to capture the full spectrum of actionable alterations, whereas in diffuse gliomas IHC for IDH1 p.R132H remains recommended, with PCR or NGS reserved for IHC-negative or equivocal cases. Advanced tools such as genome-wide methylation profiling or metabolic imaging may add value in specialized centers. The consensus-based \"Golden Rules\" pragmatically support harmonization of diagnostic workflows, reducing technical costs and turnaround time, and promoting equitable access to IDH-directed therapies across diverse healthcare settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"96-107"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187866/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-1864
Carlotta Liberale, Viscardo Paolo Fabbri, Sofia Passaseo, Daniele Marchioni, Stefania Corrado, Albino Eccher, Francesco Mattioli
{"title":"Current role of Histolog<sup>®</sup> in real-time histopathologic assessment: a systematic review.","authors":"Carlotta Liberale, Viscardo Paolo Fabbri, Sofia Passaseo, Daniele Marchioni, Stefania Corrado, Albino Eccher, Francesco Mattioli","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-1864","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-1864","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Achieving complete tumor removal with negative margins remains a major goal in oncologic surgery. Frozen section analysis is still the most widely used method for intraoperative margin assessment, but it has several limitations, including time consumption, costs, and the need for dedicated pathology support. In this context, Histolog<sup>®</sup> Scanner has emerged as a fluorescence confocal microscopy device that enables rapid digital evaluation of freshly excised tissue without conventional histological processing.</p><p><p>This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current clinical applications of Histolog<sup>®</sup> Scanner, its diagnostic performance, and its concordance with conventional histopathological assessment. Most included studies focused on breast surgery, followed by dermatologic, prostatic, and head and neck applications. Reported sensitivity ranged from 30% to 100%, specificity from 75% to 100%, and overall diagnostic accuracy reached up to 99% in selected settings.</p><p><p>Current evidence supports the feasibility and promising diagnostic performance of Histolog<sup>®</sup> Scanner in selected oncologic fields. However, the available literature remains limited and heterogeneous and is still insufficient to support replacement of frozen section analysis in routine practice. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to better define its reproducibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential role across different oncologic settings, particularly in head and neck surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"53-61"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187890/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
PATHOLOGICAPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-N980
Alessandro Caputo, Luca Cima, Vincenzo L'Imperio, Giuseppe Alecci, Andrea Ascione, Mattia Facchetti, Özgür Can Eren, Brett Baskovich, Kamran M Mirza, Michael Bonert, Guido Fadda, Filippo Fraggetta
{"title":"Digitalization and Gamification to Improve Pathology Education: The SIAPeC Quiz Experience.","authors":"Alessandro Caputo, Luca Cima, Vincenzo L'Imperio, Giuseppe Alecci, Andrea Ascione, Mattia Facchetti, Özgür Can Eren, Brett Baskovich, Kamran M Mirza, Michael Bonert, Guido Fadda, Filippo Fraggetta","doi":"10.32074/1591-951X-N980","DOIUrl":"10.32074/1591-951X-N980","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pathology education is evolving beyond traditional textbooks and increasingly embracing digital and active learning tools. While passive methods of teaching such as lectures remain dominant, active learning approaches-such as case-based learning, gamification, and technology-enhanced education-are on the rise. Tools like digital microscopy, social media, and resources such as Libre Pathology and pathCast are democratizing access to knowledge, fostering interactivity and accessibility.</p><p><p>Quizzes and gaming events have become essential tools in medicine, enhancing learner engagement, honing diagnostic skills, and promoting collaborative learning. Notable examples in pathology include the ESP Pathology Progress Test, the RCPath International Pathology Day Quiz, and interactive events like the ISDP Dermatopathology Olympic Games. Gamification not only boosts motivation but also facilitates the practical application of real-world skills. These innovations are particularly impactful in pathology, where simulated diagnostic challenges offer realistic learning experiences.</p><p><p>The inaugural SIAPeC Quiz (2024) demonstrated the efficacy of gamification in pathology education, combining interactive case-based challenges with digital tools to enhance diagnostic skills and engagement among junior pathologists. Featuring a diverse range of questions across histology, pathology, and subspecialties, the event incorporated whole-slide images and challenges that push the boundaries of what can be understood from minimal information (#TooCloseToDiagnose and #TooFarToDiagnose). This gamified format created a supportive environment for learners to experiment and learn from mistakes, fostering critical skills in a dynamic setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":45893,"journal":{"name":"PATHOLOGICA","volume":"118 2","pages":"62-71"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13187886/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147976181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}