Self Instructional Manual for Cancer Registrars - SEER - National ...

SECTION
G
PATHOLOGICAL
EXAMINATIONS
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 is to determine 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 ceils) will be discussed beginning on page 241. The
cytologic information is usually found on a Cytology Report, sometimes called a Cytopathology report, but
it may be submitted on a Pathology Report (See Example G15).
Both the operative reports and the pathologic reports should be reviewed by the cancer registry
abstractor. The operative report may 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 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.
193