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The most accurate methods for diagnosing cancer are: 1) the
microscopic examination of tissues removed from the site of
a suspected cancer and 2) the microscopic examination of cells
contained in fluid which bathes a suspected site. The purpose
of the microscopic examination includes determination of characteristics
of the tissues and cells indicative of a malignancy. Histologic
examination (study of tissue) will be discussed beginning
on page 194. The histologic information is found on the Pathology
Report, sometimes called the Histopathology Report. Cytologic
examination (study of cells) will be discussed in Cytologic
Examination learning section. The cytologic information is
usually found on a Cytology Report, sometimes called a Cytopathology
Report, but it may be submitted on a Pathology Report.
Both the operative reports and the pathologic reports should
be reviewed by the tumor registry abstractor. The operative
report may contain information regarding the size, location
and extent of disease. It may also contain information on
spread of disease to tissues which were not excised. For example,
Liver metastasis may be observed by the surgeon at the time
of abdominal surgery, and a biopsy may not be taken. The surgeon
may also describe the size of the tumor as well as apparent
metastases to lymph nodes and other organs. It is important
that this information be abstracted for a complete and accurate
description of the extent of the disease. If there is a discrepancy
between the operative report and the pathology report with
respect to involvement of excised tissues, the pathology report
takes precedence over the operative report.
The following are two topics included in this learning section.
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