In pathology, the term “gross” refers to observations or examinations made with the naked eye, as opposed to those requiring a microscope for detailed visualization. Gross examination involves looking at the physical characteristics of tissues and organs without any magnification. This can include assessments of size, shape, color, consistency, and any notable abnormalities such as lesions or tumours. Thus, “gross” in this context is about the scale of observation rather than implying anything unpleasant.
The gross examination is an important initial step in the assessment of surgical specimens and the preparation of a pathology report because it provides the first set of clues regarding the nature of a disease. Findings from a gross examination guide subsequent steps, such as selecting specific areas for closer microscopic examination (histology), which can reveal more detailed information about the changes taking place on a cellular level.
About this article
Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.
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