For most neoplasms histologic examination (study of tissue) provides the best evidence regarding the presence or absence of cancer. Sometimes there will be more than one pathology report in the record. Summarize each report giving the name and date of the procedure, the slide number(s), the source of the specimen, and the pertinent positive and/or negative findings. A histologic examination may be made from a biopsy specimen, a surgical specimen, or at autopsy. Each of these procedures will be described in this part of the learning sub-section together with practical exercises demonstrating how the information given in the reports might be abstracted. The study of cells (cytologic examination) will be covered separately in the next learning sub-section, Cytologic Examination. Select a topic listed below to learn more about histologic examination.

Sub-Section Topics

• The Biopsy Report
• The Operative Pathology Report
• Practical Examples
• The Autopsy Report