how to tell a patient about a good pathology report

Start by studying your pathology report closely. Circle anything that doesn’t make sense to you. Let your doctor know how much you know, and ask questions until you are satisfied that you understand the report and both the pathologist

’s and your physician’s thinking. In particular, look for information about the location and extent of your cancer.

Full Answer

What do you need to know about a pathology report?

Reading a Pathology Report. A pathology report is a medical document written by a pathologist. A pathologist is a doctor who diagnoses disease by: The report gives a diagnosis based on the pathologist’s examination of a sample of tissue taken from the patient’s tumor. This sample of tissue, called a specimen, is removed during a biopsy.

How do you read a pathology report for a tumor?

Reading a Pathology Report. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A noncancerous, or benign tumor, means the tumor can grow but will not spread. Other specific details about the tumor’s features. This information helps your doctor figure out the best treatment options.

What does a pathologist look for when diagnosing cancer?

The pathologist will also note whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped organs that help fight disease. A lymph node is called “positive” when it contains cancer and “negative” when it does not. A tumor that has grown into blood or lymph vessels is more likely to have spread elsewhere.

Why get a copy of the surgical pathology report?

Getting a copy of the surgical pathology report is one of those steps. This report is generated after a surgery to remove GIST tumors and contains crucial information regarding diagnosis and key factors for calculating risk of recurrence.

What does a positive pathology report mean?

A “positive” or “involved” margin means there are cancer cells in the margin. This means that it is likely that cancerous cells are still in the body. Lymph nodes. The pathologist will also note whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.

How do I write a pathology report?

Components of a pathology reportYour name and your individual identifiers. ... A case number. ... The date and type of procedure by which the specimen was obtained (for instance, a blood sample, surgery, or biopsy)Your medical history and current clinical diagnosis.A general description of the specimen received in the lab.More items...

What is a pathology review?

Purpose: Pathology review is performed for patients when care is transferred to a tertiary care center after diagnostic tissue has been obtained.

How do I read my cancer test results?

There are three possible results:Positive: Cancer cells are found at the edge of the margin. This may mean that more surgery is needed.Negative: The margins don't contain cancerous cells.Close: There are cancerous cells in the margin, but they don't extend all the way to the edge. You may need more surgery.

How do I write a medical diagnosis report?

Guidelines for Writing Diagnostic ReportsThe Appearance of the Diagnostic Report. ... The "Shelf Life" of the Disability Documentation. ... The Reason for Referral and History of the Problem. ... Evaluation Measures Used in the Report. ... Relevant Developmental, Educational and Medical Histories. ... A Clear Statement of the Disability.More items...

How do you describe lesions in pathology?

lesion, in physiology, a structural or biochemical change in an organ or tissue produced by disease processes or a wound.

Who can interpret pathology results?

Interpreting pathology test results The treating practitioner is the most appropriate and qualified person to explain and discuss pathology test results. This is because tests represent just one of the many factors that are considered in reaching a diagnosis and planning treatment.

Are pathology reports always accurate?

The reported frequency of anatomic pathologic errors ranges from 1% to 43% of all specimens, regardless of origin and disease, he said. The error rate for oncology is 1% to 5%.

What are the 4 types of pathology?

The American Osteopathic Board of Pathology also recognizes four primary specialties: anatomic pathology, dermatopathology, forensic pathology, and laboratory medicine. Pathologists may pursue specialised fellowship training within one or more subspecialties of either anatomical or clinical pathology.

Does a pathology report mean you have cancer?

The most important part of your pathology report is the Diagnosis, sometimes called Final or Microscopic Diagnosis. Your cancer diagnosis will be stated in that part. If your operation also treated your cancer, your pathology report also should contain a cancer summary.

Does a biopsy tell you what stage cancer is?

The biopsy results help your health care provider determine whether the cells are cancerous. If the cells are cancerous, the results can tell your care provider where the cancer originated — the type of cancer. A biopsy also helps your care provider determine how aggressive your cancer is — the cancer's grade.

How does a pathologist diagnose cancer?

During a biopsy, a doctor removes a small amount of tissue from the area of the body in question so it can be examined by a pathologist. For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only way to make a definitive cancer diagnosis.

What should be included in a pathology report?

A pathology report is a document that contains the diagnosis determined by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. The report may also contain information about the size, shape, and appearance of a specimen as it looks to the naked eye. This information is known as the gross description.

How long do pathology reports take?

The pathology report may be ready in as soon as two or three days after the biopsy is taken. If additional testing of the tissue is necessary, the report may take longer to complete (between seven and 14 days). Pathology reports are written in technical language using many medical terms.

What does a biopsy report show?

A biopsy report describes the findings of a specimen. It contains the following information: Gross description. A gross description describes how it looks to the naked eye and where the biopsy was taken from.

What is a pathology tissue request?

The pathologist may have to request additional tissue, perform tests on the tissue, and/or request another pathologist to examine the tissue. The pathologist may also perform tests on your tissue (e.g., estrogen receptor activity on breast cancer tissue) to help determine what further treatment should be used.

What is a pathology report?

A pathology report is a document that contains the diagnosis determined by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. The report may also cont...

How is tissue obtained for examination by the pathologist?

In most cases, a doctor needs to do a biopsy or surgery to remove cells or tissues for examination under a microscope. Some common ways a biopsy ca...

How is tissue processed after a biopsy or surgery? What is a frozen section?

The tissue removed during a biopsy or surgery must be cut into thin sections, placed on slides, and stained with dyes before it can be examined und...

How long after the tissue sample is taken will the pathology report be ready?

The pathologist sends a pathology report to the doctor within 10 days after the biopsy or surgery is performed. Pathology reports are written in te...

What information does a pathology report usually include?

The pathology report may include the following information ( 1 ): Patient information: Name, birth date, biopsy date Gross description: Color, weig...

What might the pathology report say about the physical and chemical characteristics of the tissue?

After identifying the tissue as cancerous, the pathologist may perform additional tests to get more information about the tumor that cannot be dete...

What information about the genetics of the cells might be included in the pathology report?

Cytogenetics uses tissue culture and specialized techniques to provide genetic information about cells, particularly genetic alterations. Some gene...

Can individuals get a second opinion about their pathology results?

Although most cancers can be easily diagnosed, sometimes patients or their doctors may want to get a second opinion about the pathology results ( 1...

What research is being done to improve the diagnosis of cancer?

NCI, a component of the National Institutes of Health, is sponsoring clinical trials that are designed to improve the accuracy and specificity of c...