The final Pathology report is the culmination of a complex process that starts with the patient and his or her physician deciding together that a biopsy or resection needs to take place.

Once the tissue is removed from the patient (most commonly either in the physician’s office or in the Operating Room), the specimen is transported to the Pathology Department.  Usually, the tissue is first placed into a specimen container which holds a chemical liquid called formalin.  The formalin begins the process of tissue “fixation,” which essentially prevents the tissue from decaying.

At this point, the first part of the pathological examination takes place: what is called the “gross examination.”  The pathologist or pathologists’ assistant examines the tissue and describes what is seen.  For example, what kind of specimen is present, how big it is, the color and consistency.  If any tumors are present, those get measured and described, including whether or not the tumor appears to be invading surrounding tissue and structures.

Then, small sections of the specimen are cut out and put into cassettes to be processed overnight.  This overnight prothe presence of any tumors, including