In this section, our team of pathologists answers some of the most common questions about pathology and pathology reports. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us.
A pathology report is a medical document that explains what was found when a pathologist examined a tissue sample. It describes any tests performed and, when possible, provides a diagnosis to explain the changes in the tissue. A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by studying tissues, cells, and fluids. They work closely with your healthcare team to guide your treatment.
Yes, a pathologist is a fully trained medical doctor with additional expertise in pathology. After medical school, they complete several years of specialized residency training and may do extra training in specific areas like cancer diagnosis or blood disorders. Pathologists work behind the scenes to analyze your tissue and provide critical information to your doctor.
Yes, you can request a copy of your pathology report. Many hospitals now provide access to reports through an online patient portal. If this option isn’t available, you can ask your doctor or the hospital where the sample was processed for a copy.
Yes, there are different types of pathology reports depending on the type of tissue and procedure performed. Common types include:
Pathology reports usually include:
If cancer is found, the report will include details like the type, size, and stage of the tumour.
Pathology results can take anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on the type of sample and any additional tests needed. Small biopsies usually take 2–3 days, while larger samples may take a week or more. Extra tests like immunohistochemistry or molecular testing can add a few more days.
While it is rare, errors can happen. Studies show that pathology reports are highly accurate, with an error rate of less than 2%. If you have concerns, a second opinion can provide reassurance.
Special tests are additional analyses that pathologists perform to understand your tissue sample better. These tests help confirm a diagnosis, identify the type of disease, or guide treatment decisions. Common special tests include:
The diagnosis section of your pathology report will clearly state whether cancer was found in your tissue sample. To make this determination, the pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope and looks for features commonly seen in cancer, such as:
If no cancer is found, the pathologist may describe normal tissue or other changes that could explain your symptoms, such as inflammation or benign (non-cancerous) growths.
This means the sample may not fully show what’s happening in the area being tested. For example, a small biopsy might miss important changes. In these cases, your doctor might recommend another biopsy or additional tests.
This means the tissue shows changes that could indicate a disease, such as cancer, but the findings are not definitive. More tests or a follow-up biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
“Cannot rule out” means the pathologist cannot completely exclude a possible diagnosis based on the sample. This might happen if the sample is too small or doesn’t show enough information. Your doctor may recommend further testing.
When the report says “at least,” it means the pathologist found a certain level of abnormality, but there could be more that was not visible in the sample. For instance, “at least high-grade dysplasia” suggests the sample shows significant changes, but there could be invasion (cancer spread) not seen in the biopsy.
If you want a second opinion, let your doctor know. They can send your pathology slides and report to another pathologist for review. Second opinions are common and can help confirm your diagnosis or provide additional information.