When it comes to cancer, oncologists have a common refrain: the tissue is the issue. That’s because a patient’s treatment plan is dictated largely by a thorough examination of the tissue, detailed in a pathology report.
During a biopsy or surgery, a doctor removes cancerous tissue so that a pathologist can study the specimen under a microscope. From the biopsy, pathologists may be able to determine:
- The stage or grade of the cancer
- Genetic features that may driving the tumor’s growth
- The aggressive nature of the tumor
- Any indication that the cancer has spread
These factors help doctors personalize a treatment plan to a patient’s specific diagnosis. Watch the video to learn more about cancer pathology.
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