The reorganisation of cancer services has emphasised the importance of histopathology specimens in patient management and highlighted the pivotal role the histopathologist has as part
of
the multidisciplinarian team. The specimens require careful, detailed and consistent handling
to
ascertain multiple prognostic factors relevant to appropriate management of individual
patients.
This must stem from a background knowledge of the relevant anatomy, clinical presentation
and
investigation of disease, the common pathological processes and how they affect both tissues
and
patient outlook. Specimen handling ought to reflect investigative techniques, e.g., CT/MRI
scanning and the operative surgical procedures used. Histopathology reports must be prompt
and
accurate using classifications and documenting locoregional spread that match
therapeutic
options and prognostic
groups.
