Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and in some cases the whole body (autopsy). Aspects of a bodily specimen that may be considered include its gross anatomical make up, appearance of the cells using immunological markers and chemical signatures in the cells. Pathology also includes the related scientific study of disease processes whereby the causes, mechanisms and extent of disease are examined. Pathologists specialize in a wide range of diseases including cancer and the vast majority of cancer diagnoses are made by pathologists. The cellular pattern of tissue samples is observed under a microscope to help determine if a sample is cancerous or non-cancerous. Pathologists also employ genetic studies and gene markers in the assessment of various diseases. In the present personalized treatment scenario, the pathologist plays a pivotal role in diagnosis prognostication and treatment of patients.
Recognizing the importance of a surgical pathology laboratory, the visionary administration of Jubilee Mission Hospital established a Histopathology laboratory in the hospital as early as in 1972, the first of its kind in Thrissur. In 2003 when the hospital was upgraded to a Medical College, it became part of the Pathology department of Jubilee Mission Medical College& Research Institute, Thrissur. Cytology laboratory and Hematomorphology laboratory are also attached to the Pathology department. The clinical pathology division remains as the Central Laboratory of the hospital. From 2003 onwards along with laboratory functions, undergraduate medical education also became a major part of Pathology Department. In 2007 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was started in the department. In 2011 a full-fledged immunohistochemistry lab was established. The department was recognized as a post graduate department in the same year and started admitting students for MD Pathology. In 2024 Immunoflourensces lab was established . The Pathology laboratory caters to the needs of Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur and many nearby hospitals in the city as well. Molecular Pathology lab started functioning from November 2025 with provision for EGFR mutation analysis for lung cancer.
The department of Pathology has adopted a quality management system for the purpose of the effective and efficient use of its resources. All employees are committed to the culture of quality. All staff shares responsibility for identifying nonconformities or opportunities for improvement, recording these instances so that corrective or preventive actions can be taken at the right time to ensure accurate diagnosis in the shortest possible time. Thereby the department takes the patient care to its highest levels to satisfy the Institutional motto of “Service with love”.

The objectives of the pathology laboratory are:to produce accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic reports,to achieve and maintain an effective quality management system to ensure compliance with relevant statutory and safety requirements.