Pathology and Cancer Research

Abstract

Pathology is central to the provision of clinical and public health services for cancer. Patients with suspected malignancy are entitled to a correct pathological diagnosis in order to receive appropriate therapy for cancer. The contribution of pathology in cancer care goes beyond defining cancer type; it provides staging information upon which prognosis can be derived. Providing cancer care is a multidisciplinary effort, and pathology is complementary to clinical laboratory findings in this process. Suboptimal pathology input in cancer diagnosis leads directly to inadequate (or inappropriate) treatment and follow-up, to delays in treatment, and to elevated cancer morbidity and mortality.