How to read a biopsy pathology report
Generally, biopsy pathology reports can identify abnormalities by examining the tissue morphology, the presence of atypical cells, and inflammatory responses. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Tissue morphology: Doctors examine tissue morphology under a microscope, including cell arrangement, size, shape, and structure. Normal tissues usually have a specific structure and orderly arrangement, whereas abnormal tissues may show irregular or unusual morphological features. These changes help determine whether pathological issues are present.
2. Presence of atypical cells: Doctors assess whether atypical cells are present in the biopsy sample. These cells may be cancerous or other abnormal cells. Atypical cells typically exhibit differences from normal cells in terms of morphology, size, and nuclear structure. The detection of atypical cells may indicate cancer or other malignant conditions.
3. Inflammatory response: Doctors also look for signs of inflammation within the tissue. Inflammation is a physiological immune response; however, excessive or chronic inflammation may be associated with various diseases, including autoimmune disorders and infections. Evaluating inflammatory responses helps determine if inflammation-related issues exist.
It is recommended that a physician interpret these findings to ensure accurate results.