David S. Klimstra, MD

Chair, Department of Pathology; James Ewing Alumni Chair of Pathology

David S. Klimstra, MD -- Chair, Department of Pathology

I am a pathologist with more than 20 years of experience in making diagnoses based on examining tissue samples removed by biopsy or during surgery. My special expertise is diagnosing tumors that arise in the stomach, colon, and hepatobiliary region (liver, pancreas, and bile ducts).

My colleagues and I work very closely with a broader team of medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals to offer our patients the most effective treatment plan for the tumor type that they are fighting.

more…

I came to Memorial Sloan-Kettering in 1991 for my fellowship and was invited to join the faculty immediately thereafter. I have served in a number of capacities in the Department of Pathology, and currently serve as Chair.

Over the course of my career I have published more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, and have been honored to serve on editorial boards for several publications, including Annals of Diagnostic Pathology, Virchows Archiv, Modern Pathology, and the American Journal of Surgical Pathology.

I have coauthored several books, including Tumors of the Pancreas and Tumors of the Gallbladder, Bile Ducts, and Ampulla Vater. These texts constitute some of the most widely read references on the pathology of these organs. I have also served on several World Health Organization committees that have published the standard texts on the classification of tumors in the gastrointestinal tract and in the endocrine organs.

In addition to my work at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, I am very active in a number of national and international groups, and serve on two National Cancer Institute committees: the Neuroendocrine Tumor Task Force (since 2011) and the Pancreas Cancer Tissue Acquisition Working Group (since 2010). I have also been a member of the International Cancer Genome Consortium since 2010, working on a project about rare tumors of the pancreas.

I have participated in dozens of presentations and symposia and have been invited around the world to lecture on my areas of expertise. I have received several awards for teaching excellence.

I am also a longtime member of the Gastrointestinal Pathology Society and the United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology.

Location

New York City

Phone

212-639-8410

Clinical Expertise

Gastrointestinal Tumors; Hepatobiliary Tumors; Pulmonary Pathology; Anatomic Pathology

Languages Spoken

English

Education

MD, Yale University School of Medicine

Residencies

Yale University School of Medicine

Fellowships

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

Anatomic Pathology

See My Colleagues in:

Publications by David S. Klimstra

Visit PubMed for full listing of David S. Klimstra journal articles

Pubmed is an online index of biomedical articles maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

anatomic (A-nuh-TAH-mik)

Having to do with anatomy (the study of the structure of a plant or animal).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

bile (bile)

A fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the small intestine, where it helps digest fat.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

biopsy (BY-op-see)

The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

colon (KOH-lun)

The longest part of the large intestine, which is a tube-like organ connected to the small intestine at one end and the anus at the other. The colon removes water and some nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The remaining material, solid waste called stool, moves through the colon to the rectum and leaves the body through the anus.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

endocrine (EN-doh-krin)

Refers to tissue that makes and releases hormones that travel in the bloodstream and control the actions of other cells or organs. Some examples of endocrine tissues are the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)

Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

hepatobiliary (heh-PA-toh-BIH-lee-AYR-ee)

Having to do with the liver, bile ducts, and/or gallbladder.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

medicine (MEH-dih-sin)

Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

National Institutes of Health (NA-shuh-nul IN-stih-TOOTS … helth)

A federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the National Institutes of Health Web site at . Also called NIH.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

neuroendocrine (NOOR-oh-EN-doh-krin)

Having to do with the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Neuroendocrine describes certain cells that release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pancreas (PAN-kree-us)

A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pathologist (puh-THAH-loh-jist)

A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pulmonary (PUL-muh-NAYR-ee)

Having to do with the lungs.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

radiation (RAY-dee-AY-shun)

Energy released in the form of particle or electromagnetic waves. Common sources of radiation include radon gas, cosmic rays from outer space, medical x-rays, and energy given off by a radioisotope (unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

stomach (STUH-muk)

An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

surgery (SER-juh-ree)

A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tissue (TIH-shoo)

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tumor (TOO-mer)

An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

World Health Organization (wurld helth OR-guh-nih-ZAY-shun)

A part of the United Nations that deals with major health issues around the world. The World Health Organization sets standards for disease control, health care, and medicines; conducts education and research programs; and publishes scientific papers and reports. A major goal is to improve access to health care for people in developing countries and in groups who do not get good health care. The headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. Also called WHO.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)