Pathology reports can be hard to understand and nerve-wracking. Full of complex medical terminology, and not written with patients as a target audience, you may feel at a loss when looking at pathology report results, which are now released to you via the portal as soon as they are completed. Most patients are now looking at their pathology results before they talk with their treating clinician.
Cathryn Lapedis, M.D. MPH, MSc, clinical assistant professor of pathology, is studying how to make these important reports more relatable and understandable to patients. She shares advice for what to do – and what not to do – when preparing for a surgery or biopsy, and when pathology results land in your portal.
Getting a biopsy is always an anxious time. Be sure to engage your regular support system. Prior to the surgery or biopsy ask your physician what to expect, such as:
How long it will take to get the pathology results in your portal
When to expect a call from your doctor to help contextualize the results
Words and phrases that may be used in your report. For example, they can tell you, "If you see prostatic adenocarcinoma, that means there's cancer," or "If you see benign prostate, that means there's no cancer."
Resources to help interpret the report, such as educational materials or videos on certain diagnoses.
Remember that pathology report formats are very difficult to read. Don’t expect to understand most of it. Some people feel comfortable waiting to look at the test result until meeting with their provider. But for a lot of people, it's almost impossible to wait.
When you are processing and reviewing your diagnosis, make a list of questions to ask your physician when they call. It can be difficult to remember every question when first talking with your doctor about a new diagnosis.
Be cautious when using Google or AI to interpret the report. While these can sometimes be helpful resources, AI can often misinterpret information. Google searches don’t take into account your specific context or situation, which can create alarm and anxiety without adequate support. Instead, consult resources that your physician recommends to learn more about your diagnosis.
Listen to Dr. Lapedis on Rogel’s Cancer Aware podcast:
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