Edward J. Gutmann, MD

As a cytopathologist, much of my daily work involves the examination of individual cells or small groups of cells from living patients. Typically, a team of trained technicians and technologists prepare and preview glass slides that contain the cells, which cytopathologists analyze using a microscope.

A question we often try to answer in this analysis is, “Is there evidence of cancer or a precancercous condition?” Fortunately, many times the answer is “no,” and we can help rule out a malignancy. If a cancer is present, we try to classify its type, so that a provider can decide with his or her patient the best treatments to regain or maintain a healthy life.

As an academic physician, I also teach the skills of cytopathology to younger doctors who are training in this specialized branch of medicine, to ensure that the public will continue to have access to well-educated, caring cytopathologists.