ABSTRACT
In some cases, microscopic examination is pivotal in making a major diagnosis and in determining the cause and manner of death. These diagnoses include:
◾ Malignant tumors-lung, liver, colon, and breast carcinomas; lymphomas
◾ Heart-myocarditis versus myocardial infarction ◾ Lung-pneumonia versus congestion, which are
often difficult to differentiate grossly ◾ Liver-chronic hepatitis and metastatic carcinomas ◾ Spleen-splenitis, one sign of sepsis ◾ Kidneys-nephritides, leading to renal failure (e.g.,
lupus) ◾ Infections-any tissue or organ; meningitis or
inflammation of the coverings of the brain Figures 10.1 through 10.23 are sample diagnoses of con-
ditions and injuries that can be made by microscopic examination. These figures demonstrate how a pathologist uses the microscope to support, prove, or determine the cause or manner of death.
