Something big is happening in pathology. And it’s not just about going digital.
When we talk about digital pathology, we usually focus on the image: a scanned slide, viewed on a screen instead of under a microscope. That’s a big shift. But on its own, it’s not enough.
To truly transform care, digital pathology needs a partner—structured data.
What’s Structured Data?
Think of it like this: traditional pathology reports are stories. They're written in full sentences, often with lots of detail. But every story is a little different. That makes it hard for computers—and sometimes even other clinicians—to pull out the facts they need.
Structured data turns that story into a checklist. Instead of guessing what stage a tumor is or where it’s located, the report spells it out in exact terms. Every time. The result? Clear, complete, and consistent information.
Why This Combo Matters
When digital pathology and structured data work together, they change the game.
Pathologists work faster. They can click, check boxes, and move on.
Reports are easier to share with oncologists, surgeons, and other team members.
Hospitals can track trends in real time. Think: How many Stage III colon cancers did we diagnose last month?
And most important of all? Patients get better care.
How It Helps Patients
Let’s say a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer. Her care team—oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, and pathologist—needs to act fast. With digital slides, the pathologist can consult with colleagues across the country in minutes. With structured data, the full diagnosis is instantly clear to everyone on the team.
This means:
Fewer delays.
More targeted treatments.
Less chance of error.
It’s Not the Future. It’s NOW.
This isn’t a someday idea. Hospitals and labs around the world are already seeing the benefits. And as more health systems push for precision medicine, the need for clean, structured, digital data is only growing.
So, if you work in pathology, oncology, or health IT—now is the time. Invest in systems that let digital pathology and structured data work together. Build better workflows. Push for standards. Support your teams.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about software. It’s about people. And they deserve the best care we can give.
Ken Dec is Chief Marketing Officer at mTuitive. mTuitive is revolutionizing the capture and use of structured data for improved cancer care, at the forefront of shaping the future of medicine, enabling the best minds in healthcare to make better decisions and provide the best possible outcomes for patients.
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