Understanding Your Pathology Report
Plain-language guides to the terms, tests, and findings that appear in pathology reports. Written by a PA(ASCP) with 28 years of surgical pathology experience — for patients who want to understand what their report actually says.
Pathology Report Guides
Your pathology report was written for your physician — not for you. These guides explain the structure, terminology, and findings that appear in pathology reports in plain language. They are a starting point, not a substitute for your physician. Your oncology team has the clinical context that determines what your specific findings mean.
How to Read Your Pathology Report
A plain-language guide to every section of a pathology report — patient identification, clinical history, gross description, microscopic findings, and the diagnosis. Includes a terminology table covering margins, grade, invasion, LVI, pTNM staging, mitotic rate, and more. The right place to start if your report feels overwhelming.
Read the full guide →What Is Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Why Is It on My Report?
IHC results — positive, negative, 0/1+/2+/3+, percentages — are among the most confusing parts of a pathology report. This guide explains what immunohistochemistry is, why it was ordered, how to read the results, and what common markers like ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67, and others are actually measuring. Includes questions to bring to your oncologist.
Read the full guide →Understanding pTNM Staging in Your Pathology Report
Your pathology report includes a pTNM staging designation — letters and numbers that describe the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether cancer has spread. This plain-language guide explains what T, N, and M each mean, what the lowercase "p" indicates, how to read common staging codes, and what questions to bring to your oncologist.
Read the full guide →Additional Patient Guides in Development
Additional plain-language pathology guides are in development. Check back for new articles.
Your Report, Your Questions
These guides explain general pathology terminology. If you want a plain-language explanation of your specific report — built around the questions you actually have — the Sentinel Clarity Report is designed for exactly that. Every SCR is written by Robert Weir, PA(ASCP), delivered securely via encrypted message, and built around your specific questions, not general information.
Learn About the Sentinel Clarity Report →Have questions about your pathology report?
Your Sentinel Clarity Report is built around your specific questions — not general information. $275 flat fee. Secure, encrypted delivery.