Pathology at ADC
Fast and reliable diagnosis through tissue and cell examinations
What We Do
Histology Examinations
We analyze tissues and biopsies to detect abnormalities such as inflammation, benign tumors, or cancer.
Cytology Examinations
This includes important procedures like the cervical smear (PAP smear) and the examination of body fluids.
The cervical smear is combined with the HPV test, which is carried out by our Molecular Diagnostics department, to detect early stages of cervical cancer. ADC is the only lab in Curaçao that performs both tests locally.
Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Research
- Multidisciplinary team meetings. Pathology brings tissue and cell evidence into the meeting, where the patient is discussed by every specialist involved and the treatment plan is shaped together.
- Cancer diagnostics. Many immunohistochemical stains run in-house. For rare diseases, a consult may be requested from a specialist centre overseas.
- Cytology. Fluids and smears, including cervical smears (pap smears). Combined with the molecular HPV test from Molecular Diagnostics, this allows assessment of cervical cancer or its precursor stages.
- Forensic pathology. Autopsies and other forensic medicine activities for the police and the Public Prosecutor, on Curaçao and across the islands in the region.
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT)
Our pathologists actively participate in MDTs with other specialists. During these meetings, patients are discussed, and the best treatment plan is determined together.
Forensic Pathology
ADC is the only organization on the islands with a forensic pathologist. This person performs autopsies to determine the cause of death and supports the police and judicial authorities in investigations in Curaçao and the surrounding region.
Autopsy is only a small part of medical-pathological work but is of great importance within the forensic domain.
Why ADC?
- ISO 15189 accredited since 2016 (M297).
- Local HPV and cervical diagnostics.
- Forensic pathologist on staff, region-wide.
- Many immunohistochemical stains in-house.
- Active in multidisciplinary team meetings on Curaçao.
- Cross-link with Molecular Diagnostics in-house.
- Cross-link with Molecular Diagnostics in-house.