Understanding Your Pathology Report

A doctor explains a form to a patient

What is a pathology report?

A pathology report is a medical report that describes the characteristics of a tissue or blood specimen that has been removed from your body. The specimen is analyzed by a pathologist, who writes a report of their findings for the doctor who has ordered the report and/or performed the procedure. 

 

Your pathology report contains important information about your specific colorectal cancer that helps guide decisions about your treatment. The report provides a definitive diagnosis as well as the stage of the cancer.

What will be in my pathology report?

Sample report

Pathology Report
young man talking to doctor

Questions to ask your care team

There are important details you’ll need to understand about your pathology report. Here are some good questions to ask your provider:

 

  • What type of cancer do I have?
  • How big is the tumor?
  • What is the stage of the cancer? 
  • Is it a fast growing or aggressive cancer?
  • Were the margins clean?
  • Was cancer found in any lymph nodes?
  • Do any tests need to be done again?
  • Will I need any further surgery?
  • How can I get a copy of my report?
white cells in blue sample

What’s the difference between a pathology report and a biomarker test report?

A pathology report provides a diagnosis based on a pathologist’s examination of a tissue or blood sample, such as a biopsy of the patient’s tumor or blood sample. This diagnosis is made by evaluating laboratory tests, cells, tissues, and organs in the body. 

A biomarker testing report provides very specific information about the type of cancer. Biomarker testing results are important because they can predict which treatments will be most effective and which ones will not. 


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