telling 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Does a pathology report mean you have cancer?

A pathology report is a medical document that gives information about a diagnosis, such as cancer. To test for the disease, a sample of your suspicious tissue is sent to a lab. A doctor called a pathologist studies it under a microscope. They may also do tests to get more information.

How do you 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 does a histology report tell you?

A histopathology report describes the tissue that the pathologist examined. It can identify features of what cancer looks like under the microscope. A histopathology report is also sometimes called a biopsy report or a pathology report.

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.

How accurate are pathology reports?

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.

Is a negative biopsy good?

Although tests aren't 100% accurate all the time, receiving a wrong answer from a cancer biopsy – called a false positive or a false negative – can be especially distressing. While data are limited, an incorrect biopsy result generally is thought to occur in 1 to 2% of surgical pathology cases.

Why would a pathologist get a second opinion?

A second opinion should be obtained by a physician for a challenging case in an attempt to arrive at an accurate diagnosis leading to optimal treatment. And second opinions should be requested by patients when diagnoses require life-altering therapy, to ensure accurate diagnoses and proper treatment plans.

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.

What is a pathologic diagnosis?

Determination of the cause or causes of an illness by examining fluids and tissues from the patient before or after death. The examination may be performed on blood, plasma, microscopic tissue samples, or gross specimens. See: autopsy; pathology.

What is a gross description in pathology?

(… deh-SKRIP-shun) In medicine, a description of what tissue taken during a biopsy looks like without using a microscope. The gross description may include the size, shape, color, and weight of the tissue sample. It may also include the body site where the tissue was taken from and how many samples were taken.

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...

Why is it important to keep a pathology report?

Copies of any pathology reports are very important to keep, as your diagnosis and treatment are often based on them. Further, understanding the report will help you and your medical provider (and any future medical providers) better understand your condition.

What is a pathology report?

A pathology report is a medical report about a piece of tissue, blood, or body organ that has been removed from your body. The specimen is analyzed by a pathologist, who then writes up a report for the medical provider who has either ordered the report or performed the procedure.

What is the bottom line of a pathologist's diagnosis?

A detailed description of what the pathologist sees during microscopic exam of the specimen. The final diagnosis, which is the "bottom line" of the testing process. Your medical provider relies on the final diagnosis to help choose the best treatment choices. The name and signature of the pathologist, as well as the name and address ...

What is 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 long does it take to get a pathology report?

It may take a few days to a few weeks to receive the full report. The timing depends on the testing needed. You are allowed by law to receive a copy of your pathology report. But you should expect the report to contain highly technical medical terms.

What does it mean when a pathologist tests a tumor?

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.

Why is the pathology report for a biopsy different from a later report for the entire tumor?

This happens because the features of a tumor can sometimes vary in different areas. Your doctor will consider all of the reports to develop a treatment plan specific to you.

What is a synoptic report?

Synoptic report, or summary. When the tumor was removed, the pathologist will include a summary. This lists the most important results in a table. These are the items considered most important in determining a person’s treatment options and chance of recovery.

What is grade in cancer?

Grade. Grade describes how the cancer cells look compared with healthy cells. In general, the pathologist is looking for differences in the size, shape, and staining features of the cells. A tumor with cells that look more like healthy cells is called "low grade" or "well differentiated.".

Can you have more than one doctor for a diagnosis?

It may be helpful to talk with more than one doctor about your diagnosis and treatment plan. This is called a second opinion. It is important to get a copy of the pathology report and any other medical records.

What is the role of a pathologist in cancer?

The pathologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease by examining organs, tissues, cells and bodily fluids.

What are the observations of a gross examination?

Observations noted in the gross examination include the sample’s appearance and characteristics, such as size (typically documented in centimeters), texture (whether it is hard or soft, smooth or lumpy) and color. Gross examinations help determine accurate diagnoses because certain tumors have specific characteristics.

What is the procedure called when a patient's tissue is removed?

Many standardized procedures are performed before a diagnosis can be rendered. After the patient’s tissue sample is collected during either a biopsy or excision (the surgical removal of tissue), the pathologist conducts what’s known as a gross examination, performed with the naked eye, rather than under a microscope.

Why are sectioned samples preserved?

The sectioned samples are preserved for future testing, which may be necessary if medical advancements lead to the discovery of a new tumor marker or a new treatment, for example, or if a duplicate slide is needed for the patient to use in seeking a second opinion.

Should I get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?

When reading a pathology report, Dr. Tan suggests paying close attention to the tumor type, grade and stage, and he recommends getting a second opinion if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. “It’s always better to have a second pathologist review the diagnosis,” he says.

What is the name of the doctor who examines tissue to determine if cancer is present?

To diagnose diseases such as cancer, a sample of tissue called a biopsy is taken from a patient and examined by a pathologist to determine if cancer is present. A pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and classification of diseases by looking at tissue or cells under a microscope and by interpreting medical laboratory ...

What is the doctor who examines specimens removed during surgery?

The pathologist is also the doctor who examines specimens removed during surgery (resections) for conditions such as cancer, to determine whether a tumor is benign or cancerous, and if cancerous, the exact cell type, grade, and stage of the tumor. In some cases, the pathologist also performs molecular biomarker analysis ...

What is pathology report?

Pathology reports are written by pathologists (doctors who study the cause and effects of diseases) and identify the diagnosis based on their examination of the tissue sample from a surgery. The majority of pathology reports begin with a similar setup – hospital information on top followed by the patient’s information.

What is the summary of everything found during the pathologist’s examination of the tissue?

Diagnosis is the summary of everything found during the pathologist’s examination of the tissue, including diagnosis details and tumor features (surgical margins, size, malignant potential, etc.).

What is clinical information?

Clinical Information. Your treating physician may include clinical history that is relevant to the tissue that the pathologist is examining. This may include diagnosis, the nature of the disease, or other diseases that should be of concern.

What is the key to understanding GIST?

Your Pathology Report: the Key to Understanding Your GIST. After the diagnosis of GIST, a patient should take important steps to learn more about their particular disease so that they may find optimal care and treatment. This can be a very challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. Getting a copy of the surgical pathology report is one ...

How to determine if a tumor will return after surgery?

A patient’s risk of recurrence, or the chance that a tumor will return after surgery, can be determined using several indicators (mitotic rate, primary tumor size and location). One of the key pieces of information is the mitotic rate. The higher the number, the quicker the cells are dividing, leading to faster tumor growth.

Can mitotic rates be determined from primary tumors?

Mitotic rates are best determined from single primary tumors that have never been exposed to chemotherapy. At first glance, a pathology report may seem overwhelming. However, once you know what to look for it becomes easier to interpret.

What is a pathology report?

Stages of Cancer . A pathology report is a medical document that gives information about a diagnosis, such as cancer. To test for the disease, a sample of your suspicious tissue is sent to a lab. A doctor called a pathologist studies it under a microscope. They may also do tests to get more information.

What is the identifying information on a blood test?

Identifying information: This has your name, birth date, and medical record number. It also lists contact information for your doctor, the pathologist and lab where the sample was tested.

How to grade a tumor?

Grade: The pathologist compares the cancer cells to healthy cells. There are different scales for specific cancers. A tumor grade reflects how likely it is to grow and spread. In general, this is what those grades mean: 1 Grade 1: Low grade, or well-differentiated: The cells look a little different than regular cells. They aren’t growing quickly. 2 Grade 2: Moderate grade, or moderately differentiated: They don’t look like normal cells. They’re growing faster than normal. 3 Grade 3: High grade, or poorly differentiated: The cells look very different than normal cells. They’re growing or spreading fast.

What does grade mean in cancer?

Grade: The pathologist compares the cancer cells to healthy cells. There are different scales for specific cancers. A tumor grade reflects how likely it is to grow and spread. In general, this is what those grades mean: Grade 1: Low grade, or well-differentiated: The cells look a little different than regular cells.

What do you want patients to know about the role of pathologists in their care?

We want patients and their families to know who we are and how we provide their care to them. They may not see us, but this is one way of making it known that we are part of their care team. We’re helping them with their diseases, cancers, infections.

Why is this work so meaningful for you?

As a pathologist, speaking with my patients is always a privilege. It's a total obligation to our patients to share their disease process in a way that helps avoid confusion, eliminates questions. We work with their primary care doctors and oncologists to give them a complete picture of their disease process, hopefully reduce the fear that exists.

What are some of the emotions you see in patients who are awaiting a diagnosis?

The fear comes from not knowing mostly. There's of course the fear of having been diagnoses with a serious disease. There's also fear that we as pathologists can address of helping people understand their disease. When people are waiting for a biopsy diagnosis, one doesn't have to be a pathologist to understand this.

What's the value of the mini-tumor boards you have with patients and other clinical partners?

Talk about personalized medicine. This is a personalized tumor board. It's a personalized diagnostic management team visiting via Skype. We can have HIPAA compliant Skype that lets us get the pathologist, oncologist, radiologist, and others in the discussion with the patient in real time along with family and talk about the whole process.

What has the response been from patients?

This is a new concept even for patients. Some may not know it's available. We need to let them know we're here and we don't bite. Once we get past that hurdle, the response is very positive. One patient told me we got a year's worth of work done in ten minutes. Otherwise, you have to go from one doctor's office to the next.

How would you describe the language in most pathology reports? How do we simplify it for patients?

By necessity, we have to use the best diagnostic terminology for our patients, so we use a lot of "doctor speak", words the average non-physician or non-pathologist has a hard time grasping. We can put in comments in a short paragraph in layman's terms.

Why is it helpful to put patient-friendly language at the beginning of a pathology report explaining who you are and your role in the patient's care?

It does it in a relatively uniform way. I don't want to have to reinvent the wheel every time I write one of these. I want to use the best language and not have to rethink it every time I sign out a case. It points out who we are in a way that welcomes their phone call or visit.

Why is my pathology report important to me?

Your pathology report provides the diagnosis of the tumor that you had biopsied or surgically removed: gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The specific tumor characteristics described in your pathology report help to determine which treatments are most appropriate for you.

What is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses diseases by examining tissues, cells and bodily fluids. In the case of GIST, the pathologist examines tissue from biopsies and surgeries. After finishing medical school, a physician must complete a residency in pathology and pass an exam to become board certified as a pathologist.

What role does the pathologist play in my diagnosis and treatment planning?

Although patients rarely meet pathologists, they are crucial to your treatment because they: