Introduction

Established in 1956, the Department of Pathology stands as one of the largest departments within Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital. It is committed to delivering excellence in scientific research and various diagnostic services, including routine surgical pathology, frozen section, renal core needle biopsy, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular detection. Renowned for its technical prowess, extensive diagnostic experience, and state-of-the-art equipment, the department plays a pivotal role in medical education, research, and patient care. Since the inception of the Shanghai Pathology Symposium by Pro. Suiyue Gu from Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University and Pro. Qishan Chen from our hospital in 1958, the symposium was hosted weekly for over 60 years, shaping the landscape of pathology education in China. As a Standardized training base for clinical pathology specialists and residents, the department is committed to nurturing the next generation of pathology professionals.

At present, the department comprises 36 dedicated staff members responsible for pathology services across the Xuhui and Lingang campuses. With a team of 19 physicians and 16 technical staff, the department delivers a wide range of diagnostic services, from routine pathological examinations to advanced molecular tests. In 2023 alone, the department processed over 100063 pathological specimens, conducted 9807 rapid frozen cases, 311 kidney core needle biopsy, and over 6,000 molecular tests. Additionally, the department offers remote and offline pathological consultations, extending its expertise beyond Shanghai to benefit patients nationwide.
The department has forged enduring collaborative partnerships with Leiden University in the Netherlands, Wakayama Medical University in Japan, and the Catholic University of Korea. 

Specialties

1. Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Pathology: Renowned for its expertise in bone and soft tissue tumor pathology, the department collaborates closely with the Department of Orthopedics to provide specialized diagnostic services. With numerous publications and research projects to its credit, the department has established itself as a leader in bone pathology diagnosis. Notably, the "Atlas of Bone and Joint Pathology" edited by departmental leaders, has become a cornerstone in the field.
2. Prostate and Urinary System Pathology: Leveraging decades of experience, the department excels in the pathological diagnosis of prostate and urinary system. Its groundbreaking research projects have earned national recognition and contributed to the development of standardized diagnostic protocols. 
3. Head, Neck, and Endocrine Pathology: Led by renowned experts, the department specializes in the diagnosis of head and neck pathology, and endocrine pathology. Notably, Director Zhiyan Liu is the first who proposed to set up a borderline tumor category, WDT-UB (well differentiated thyroid tumor uncertain clinical behavior, synonym of NIFTP) (PMID: 21070478), in the thyroid tumor classification in 2011, far before the NIFTP proposal in 2016.  She is the vice president of Thyroid Cancer Committee of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, standing committee member of Tumor Pathology Committee of Chinese Cancer Anti-cancer Association, a core member of Asian Thyroid Working Group, and member of the International Academy of Cytology and American Thyroid Association. Zhiyan Liu has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters (ORCID: 0000-0001-9668-7756).
4. Obstetrics and Gynecology Pathology: With a focus on gynecological tumors and perinatal pathology, the department has earned accolades for its contributions to obstetrics and gynecology pathology. Director Tao Wenqi's clinical expertise and research contributions have significantly advanced the field, providing crucial insights for clinical treatment.

Through its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, the Department of Pathology continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in diagnostic pathology, driving advancements in patient care and medical research.