Cancer Pathology Reports

The Pathology Report is a critical document in cancer care. There are over 100 different types of cancer with a broad spectrum of different treatments and outcomes. How do we differentiate between the different types and prescribe the best treatment for each? Chances are, the treatment plan for your patient’s cancer diagnosis started with the results in their pathology report.

This diagnostic report details whether a patient has a malignancy, the cellular changes seen under the microscope, whether or not it is confined or has spread to the small vessels or lymph nodes, the tumour type, grade and size and many other features used to provide a “pathologic diagnosis.”

Pathology reports contain a lot of medical terms, most of which, patient’s do not understand. This can contribute to patient anxiety and disempowerment. Naturopathic and integrative medicine providers can benefit from a deep understanding of the language and features included in the pathology report in order to:

1. Better understand a patient’s unique diagnosis and prognosis
2. Improve patient-centered communication by providing facts around the pathology
3. Empower patients to understand how their diagnosis is being discussed by their doctors
4. Improve communication with other multidisciplinary healthcare providers
5. Better inform integrative support and therapeutic strategies

In this lecture you will learn about the most common variables described in a pathology report, both conceptually and within clinical context. Several of the most common cancer types will be discussed and real pathology reports will be examined. Some of the genetic testing and other tests often paired with the basic pathology report will be mentioned. The goal is to leave this lecture series with a deeper understanding of the language and variables used to understand a patient’s unique diagnosis and pathology.