Your pathology report is an important document. It describes what the
pathologist
found in the sample that was removed during surgery or a
biopsy.
About your pathology report
The information contained in your pathology report will identify key facts about the nature of your breast cancer, such as the
stage,
grade, and
hormone receptor
status. It will help you and your doctor determine the best treatment plan for you.
While your doctor is familiar with pathology reports, you may find reading them difficult. To help, we’ve provided basic definitions and a sample report to show you what to look for and what the information means. Since the language on a typical pathology report is extremely technical and intended for health care professionals, we’ve provided “rollover” explanations of key sections to help you more easily navigate your own report. Always discuss any questions you may have about the information contained in your pathology report directly with your doctor.
back to top
See a sample pathology report
Keep in mind that there are many different types of pathology reports. Yours may be quite different from this one. And because tests may have been done at different labs, your results may be contained in more than one report. Don’t forget to keep them all in one place so you can easily access them whenever you need to.
You can usually expect your results to be available within 1 to 2 weeks of your surgery or biopsy.
If you have any questions, talk to your doctor. It’s important you know about your condition so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
back to top
Pathology report review checklist
Before you review your pathology report, make sure it includes:
- Your name
- The correct procedure
- The correct date
- Your doctor’s name
back to top