To learn more
National organizations and websites*
Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include:
National Cancer Institute
Toll-free number: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY: 1-800-332-8615
Website: www.cancer.gov
For accurate, up-to-date information on a variety of cancer-related topics for patients, their families, and the general public
College of American Pathologists
Website: www.cap.org
Offers a free video and information written for patients on how to read pathology reports.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Medical Review: March 30, 2015 Last Revised: July 30, 2015
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
Testing Biopsy and Cytology Specimens for Cancer
- How is cancer diagnosed?
- Types of biopsies used to look for cancer
- Types of cytology tests used to look for cancer
- What happens to biopsy and cytology specimens?
- What do doctors look for in biopsy and cytology specimens?
- Tests used on biopsy and cytology specimens to diagnose cancer
- Reasons for delays in getting your biopsy and cytology test results
- How to learn more about your pathology results
- What information is included in a pathology report?
- To learn more