Professor Silvana Di Palma

Job Title: Consultant Histopathologist with special interest in molecular biology

Healthcare specialism: Histopathology

Qualifications: Doctor of Medicine, specialised in cellular pathology, Member of the Royal College of Pathologists, Member of the Association of Breast Pathology

Professor Silvana Di Palma joined the Trust 20 years ago. Having studied at The University of Bologna in Italy, she moved to the UK and took a role as a consultant at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, before she was offered a position here at Royal Surrey.

In that time, her career has seen her giving speeches and talks at several key events, sharing her knowledge of pathology.

She said: “My work involves looking under the microscope and seeing if something is malignant or if it’s benign to make a diagnosis.

“This decision is often tailored using additional information from the molecular diagnostics department.

“This department works closely with the histopathology department and it was this close collaboration that has resulted in a recent publication of data demonstrating that molecular methods can be as accurate as the traditional histology tests in the assessment of breast cancer specimens.

“Soon after this diagnosis is given to clinical colleagues and they use this information to manage the patient.”

Dr Nadine Collins, consultant clinical scientist in Molecular Diagnostics, has also worked at the Royal Surrey for over 20 years. Silvana and Nadine have worked together on a number of projects over the years, which have led to implementing quicker and more accurate ways of assessing breast cancer samples.

Silvana added: “We are a very active group who does their best to provide the best care possible. We are used to being challenged.

“This is my passion and that’s why I like to go to work. There is always something else to explore.”

Back in 2020, she had her work published in the book, ‘Gnepp’s Diagnostic Surgical Pathology of the Head and Neck’ by US Pathologist Dr D. Gnepp. Further publications appeared during the pandemic as well as working with the Big 18 on breast cancer.

She has several invitations lined up to present the most recent study on Breast Cancer Molecular Subtyping in Practice which was published in February 2024 in the prestigious journal of International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

This is the first study in the UK and in the world performed by scientists at the RSH NHS FT and BSPS.

Silvana added: “I would like to express my gratitude to the biomedical scientists of the cellular pathology department and to the team in the molecular diagnostic department. Without their contribution such a cutting edge type of research could never take place, so thank you.”