Training and current role
For most cancers, the final diagnosis rests on what a pathologist sees under the microscope and on a growing set of specialised tests. In Mumbai, one of the major reference centres for cancer pathology is a dedicated oncopathology laboratory that receives samples from hospitals across the country. At this laboratory, Dr Jay Mehta pathologist serves as President and Head, leading a team of surgical pathologists and molecular specialists who focus only on tumour specimens.
He is a senior surgical pathologist with more than two decades of experience in cancer diagnostics. After completing postgraduate pathology training at a national cancer hospital in Mumbai, he expanded his work in histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular tests at high-volume laboratories before moving into his present leadership role. He has helped design workflows that link surgical biopsies, cytology, bone marrow samples and biomarker assays into a single coherent report for treating oncologists.
Working with clinicians and second opinions
Oncopathology is not practiced in isolation. Multidisciplinary tumour boards bring together surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists to discuss complex cases. Here, the pathologist explains key features of the tumour, clarifies margins, nodal status and biomarker findings, and answers questions about how confident the diagnosis is. When results are borderline or unexpected, additional stains or molecular tests may be recommended before a final plan is made.
As a second-opinion reference centre, the lab frequently receives blocks and slides from other hospitals. In these situations, Dr Jay Mehta pathologist and colleagues review the material afresh, sometimes revising or refining earlier diagnoses. This can change staging, alter drug choices or suggest that a person is eligible for a clinical trial. Clear communication with the primary oncology team helps new information fit smoothly into ongoing treatment.
Quality, research and teaching
High-quality cancer pathology depends on consistent processing, internal audits and participation in external quality-assurance programmes. Standard operating procedures govern everything from fixation of tissue to turnaround times and report formats. Regular correlation meetings compare pathology findings with radiology and clinical outcomes, helping the team spot patterns where classification or reporting can be improved.
Beyond service work, the group contributes to research in rare tumours, lymphomas and molecular alterations in solid cancers. Publications on uncommon entities and biomarker patterns add to international literature and help other pathologists recognise these conditions. Teaching sessions for trainees and continuing-medical-education programmes for clinicians share updates on how to use pathology and molecular results in everyday practice.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cancer pathologist actually do?
A cancer pathologist examines tissue, fluid or bone marrow samples to decide whether cancer is present, define the exact type and grade, and assess margins and nodal spread. They also coordinate stains and molecular tests that reveal drug targets or prognostic markers.
