What Information is Typically Included in a Pathology Report?
A typical pathology report includes:
- Patient Information: Identifying details such as the patient's name and medical record number. - Specimen Description: Information about the tissue sample, including the type of procedure used to obtain it, such as a biopsy or surgery. - Diagnosis: The most critical part, detailing the type of cancer, its grade, and sometimes its stage. - Tumor Size and Location: Descriptions of the tumor's dimensions and its location within the body. - Margins: Information on whether cancer cells are present at the edges of the tissue sample, which affects the likelihood of complete removal. - Additional Tests: Results of any additional tests performed, such as hormone receptor tests in breast cancer or genetic tests that may influence treatment options.
