This series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was developed by the association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology to help patients and their families better understand what their pathology report means. These FAQs have been endorsed by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and reviewed by the American Cancer Society.
Learn about the possible terms you might see on a breast pathology report, including breast carcinoma (cancer), lobular carcinoma (LCIS), ductal carcinoma (DCIS), atypical hyperplasia, and various benign breast conditions.
Your colon pathology report may use specific terms to describe a type of cancer, or it may mention different types of colon polyps, such as sessile or serrated polyps. Learn what these terms mean here.
If you've had an esophagus biopsy, your pathology report may mention terms such as carcinoma (cancer), Barrett's esophagus, or other esophagus changes. Learn how to interprete your pathology report here.
A lung pathology report may include information about findings that are not cancer, such as granulomas, scarring, or inflammation. If cancer is found, it may also describe a type of cancer using specific terms. Learn how to interpret your lung pathology report here.
Learn about the possible terms you may see on a prostate pathology report, including prostate cancer, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), various atypical findings, or benign prostate conditions.