Breast Center - Pathology Core

Overview of Services

The Pathology Core and Lab was created to support the research and clinical activities of the Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine.

We provide pathology-related services to the faculty and collaborators of the Smith Breast Center. Our lab members include pathologists specialized in breast diseases (human and animal models) and the management of clinical and research-oriented laboratories, as well as highly trained and experienced histology and research technicians. The resources include 1,500 square feet of new laboratory space, modern equipment to support all aspects of routine histotechnology, and additional instruments for specialized technologies such as automated immunohistochemistry, quantitative image analysis, laser-capture microdissection, fluorescent microscopy, confocal microscopy, and tissue microarrays.

Pathology Consultation

One of our experienced pathologists will sit with you to review your slides.

Clinical Services

The primary clinical services provided by the Pathology Laboratory include the diagnostic evaluation of breast biopsies/excisions and assessment of prognostic/predictive biomarkers in breast cancers (e.g. ER, PR, erbB2, and Ki67).

Research Services

The primary research support provided by the Pathology Laboratory includes routine histology, immunohistochemistry, and consultation/collaboration with pathologists. Immunohistochemistry is a particular strength, with assays developed for over 200 antibodies against important cancer-related molecules, and a systematic approach of developing assays for new antibodies with a high rate of success. The laboratory also works very closely with the Breast Tissue/Tumor Bank of the Smith Breast Center, which, together, provides investigators with appropriate samples for their research. 

All services offered by the Pathology Laboratory are supported by the Breast Center and a variety of research grants awarded to its faculty, including one of only nine Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer granted by the National Institute of Health.

Getting Started

• BCM Users:  Click the link in the upper right corner to login or register for an iLab account using valid BCM credentials.

• Non-BCM Users:  Click the appropriate link in the upper right corner to login with your approved iLab credentials or to sign up for an iLab account.

• Visit the Customer Help Manual for further guidance using iLab's Core Facility Services.

Leadership

Dr. Carolina Gutierrez -  Core Director

Email: mgutierr@bcm.edu

Dr. Alejandro Contreras -  Co-Director

Email: alejandr@bcm.edu

Contact Persons:

Rena Mao - smao@bcm.edu

Joy Guo -  zguo@bcm.edu

Robin Sample -  Administrator

Email: pathcore@breastcenter.tmc.edu

Phone: 713-798-1629

Location and Hours of Operation

Links and Resources

• Pathology Core website

Contacts