The breast and cancerUnderstanding a breast cancer pathology report

A breast cancer pathology report is an important document. It describes what the pathologist found in the sample that was removed during surgery or a biopsy.

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About a breast cancer pathology report

The information contained in a 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 breast cancer 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 breast cancer pathology report directly with your doctor.

Breast cancer pathology report.

You can usually expect your results to be available within one to two 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 breast cancer treatment.

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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
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Important Information About ARIMIDEX

ARIMIDEX is approved for adjuvant treatment (treatment following surgery with or without radiation) of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

ARIMIDEX is approved for the initial treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed following treatment with tamoxifen. Patients with hormone receptor-negative disease and patients who did not previously respond to tamoxifen therapy rarely responded to ARIMIDEX.

Important Safety Information About ARIMIDEX

  • Prescription ARIMIDEX is only for postmenopausal women. ARIMIDEX should not be taken if you are pregnant because it may harm your unborn child
  • Based on information from a study in patients with early breast cancer, women with a history of blockages in heart arteries (ischemic heart disease) who take ARIMIDEX may have a slight increase in this type of heart disease compared to similar patients who take tamoxifen
  • ARIMIDEX can cause bone softening/weakening (osteoporosis) increasing the chance of fractures. In a clinical study in early breast cancer, there were more fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) with ARIMIDEX (10%) than with tamoxifen (7%)
  • In a clinical study in early breast cancer, some patients taking ARIMIDEX had an increase in cholesterol. Skin reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function have also been reported
  • In the early breast cancer clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache
  • In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX
  • ARIMIDEX should not be taken with tamoxifen or estrogen-containing therapies

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).