New comic explains pathology lab process

Brain Tumour Support NZ has launched a new comic explaining the complex and sometimes lengthy process of examining and testing brain tumour tissue in the pathology lab.

The comic is a collaboration between Professor Neal Curtis (University of Auckland), Janina Gaudin (Portmanteau Digital), Dr Clinton Turner (Auckland Hospital), Awhina Walters (Auckland Hospital) and Dr Thomas Park (Centre for Brain Research).

“Many brain tumour patients and carers often wonder why it takes so long for their results to come back,” according to Chris Tse, chair of Brain Tumour Support NZ. “Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is vitally important, as it ensures the patient receives the most appropriate treatment plan for their tumour type.”

“Brain tumours are increasingly being diagnosed according to their molecular characteristics. Gone are the days when all the pathologist had to do was look at the cells under a microscope and come up with a diagnosis. Molecular testing is more complex and some tests are not yet available in New Zealand, meaning samples have to be sent overseas for testing. This can add several days, and sometimes weeks, to the turnaround time,” Chris explained.

Professor Neal Curtis of the Department of Media and Screen Studies at the University of Auckland is a specialist in graphic medicine - the use of comics to illustrate medical information. Professor Curtis is working on several comics about brain tumours as part of a research study in collaboration with the Centre for Brain Research and Brain Tumour Support NZ. For more information read:
Comics a no-brainer for bringing research to life
Cartoonists join brain tumour researchers on a colourful new project

“Waiting for test results is a hugely anxious time for brain tumour patients and their families,” Chris Tse said.

“We hope this comic will help alleviate some of the stress involved, knowing that these tests take time and that it is important to get an accurate result.”