ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pathology, a foundational yet challenging subject in medical education, is marked by its extensive content and intricate concepts. These complexities often pose a significant learning barrier for students, who must not only comprehend but also effectively apply this knowledge in their clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of utilizing cartoons as a supplementary educational tool in pathology. Specifically, it focused on assessing whether incorporating cartoons into the learning process would enhance students' understanding, memory retention, and ability to recall complex topics, thereby augmenting the effectiveness of traditional teaching methodologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conducted from June to September 2022, this experimental study involved 106 second-year MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) students. Participants were split into two groups: the "traditional group," which received standard interactive large-group teaching, and the "combination group," which benefited from both the standard teaching and additional cartoon-based instruction. The study focused on two selected chapters of the pathology curriculum. After completing the first chapter, the groups were crossed over for the second chapter. Evaluation of the students' learning was conducted through post-learning assessments using multiple-choice questions (MCQs). RESULTS: The combination group, which received both traditional and cartoon-based teaching, showed a significant improvement in their assessment scores compared to the traditional group. This improvement was consistent in both assessments conducted (t(102) = 8.41, p < .001 and t(99) = 6.85, p < .001). Additionally, feedback from the students through a post-learning survey indicated a strong preference for the use of cartoons. The majority of students agreed that cartoons facilitated a better understanding and retention of complex pathology topics (χ² = 130.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The incorporation of cartoons as a supplementary learning tool in pathology teaching shows promising results. This innovative approach not only complements but also enhances the traditional teaching methods, leading to improved comprehension, retention, and recollection of complex subjects among medical students. The study highlights the potential of cartoons in revolutionizing medical education, especially in teaching challenging subjects like pathology.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Breast lumps in any age group are addressed cautiously to exclude the possibility of breast cancer. The clinical approach to breast lumps involves the "triple test" for cancer screening. The triple test includes clinical examination, imaging (mammogram or ultrasonogram), and tissue sampling (fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy). These tests happen in a sequential process, and it is important that their findings support the final diagnosis for accurate management of the patient. Aims and objectives This study aims to determine the correlation between the histopathological and radiological findings among the various breast lesions and describe the spectrum of breast lesions received in our center. Methods This is a retrospective observational study for a period of three years, from January 2020 to December 2022. The study included 400 patients who had undergone ultrasonography or mammograms for breast lumps, FNAC, core needle biopsy, or surgical resection. The data collected was analyzed for concordance and discordance status. Results A total of 400 cases were reviewed. There were 238 (59.5%) histologically confirmed benign breast lesions and 162 (40.5%) malignant lesions with their corresponding BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) scores. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy for the imaging modalities (ultrasonogram and mammogram) in diagnosing breast lesions were 95.06%, 94.96%, 92.77%, 96.58%, and 95%, respectively, which were comparable with other similar studies. The biological and immunohistochemical factors of all the invasive carcinomas were studied in detail. Conclusions Imaging modalities (ultrasonogram or mammogram) have good sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing breast lesions and can be reliably used as a preliminary test in breast lump evaluation. The BI-RADS score is a reliable indicator and can be considered for the effective follow-up or intervention of the breast lesion. In discordant cases, a repeated core needle biopsy or excision has to be recommended, as pathological diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective management. A good rapport between the surgeon, radiologist, and pathologist aids in effective feedback and learning for achieving diagnostic accuracy.
