Glossary term · Tests & reports
Histopathology report (also: Pathology report, Surgical pathology report, Biopsy report): A histopathology report is a pathologist’s written description of tissue examined under a microscope, giving the diagnosis on which treatment is planned.
A histopathology report describes tissue removed at biopsy or surgery and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The US National Cancer Institute says the pathology report provides the definitive cancer diagnosis and is used for staging and treatment planning. For any cancer opinion from India, this report is essential. The specialist may also ask to review the original slides or blocks.
What does the report contain?
- Gross description: what the specimen looked like to the naked eye, its size and site.
- Microscopic description: how the cells look, including the tumour grade.
- Margins: whether the edges of removed tissue are clear or involved.
- Lymph nodes: whether cancer is present in them.
- Diagnosis: the pathologist’s summary of cancer type, grade and other findings.
- Comments: notes on further tests that are pending or recommended.
How long does it take?
NCI says the pathologist typically sends the report to the doctor within 10 days after biopsy or surgery. Special tests can take longer.
Can an Indian pathologist review my slides?
Often, yes. NCI notes that for a pathology second opinion you need to obtain the slides or paraffin blocks from the original laboratory. Ask your hospital at home how to release them, and ask the Indian hospital for shipping instructions.
Send the full report
Send every page, including addenda and immunohistochemistry results. A one-line diagnosis is not enough for treatment planning.
Questions people ask
Is a needle sample enough for a diagnosis?
MedlinePlus explains that fine needle aspiration removes very small amounts of cells, while a core or open biopsy removes tissue. Your specialist will tell you which sample is needed for a firm diagnosis and whether more tissue is required.
Why might an Indian hospital repeat my biopsy?
It may need more tissue for special tests, or the original sample may be too small or unavailable. The treating specialist decides. Sending slides or blocks in advance can sometimes avoid a repeat.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute: Surgical pathology reports
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: histopathology
- MedlinePlus: Biopsy
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.