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Question about pathology report
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Question about pathology report

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Question about pathology report

  • Post
    • January 12, 2011 at 1:14 am
    Becky
    Participant

      Ok so even though its been 18 months, I still pour over my sons pathology report like I may find out something new…probaby the same reason I over-google and read the same articles over and over and over (neurotic mom?).

      My question is, what is the difference between surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry ? One looks at the actual tumor and one the slides? Which would be more accurate?

      Sons case was so unusual that it was send to 3 pathologists so I am just wondering…

      Ok so even though its been 18 months, I still pour over my sons pathology report like I may find out something new…probaby the same reason I over-google and read the same articles over and over and over (neurotic mom?).

      My question is, what is the difference between surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry ? One looks at the actual tumor and one the slides? Which would be more accurate?

      Sons case was so unusual that it was send to 3 pathologists so I am just wondering…

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        • January 12, 2011 at 3:09 am
        Janner
        Participant

          My assumption would be the immunohistochemistry would be the most accurate pathology.  Surgical pathology I assume is some type of frozen section technique done at the time of surgery.  Frozen sections don't show melanocytes well.  They are seen much better after they have been stained with different types of stains.  So any "immediate" pathology would most likely not be as accurate or comprehensive as one done with prepared stains and slides.  If you have these types of questions, it is probably best just to ask your doctor instead of pouring over texts and articles that can be more confusing than helpful.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

            • January 12, 2011 at 3:48 am
            Becky
            Participant

              Thanks Jan. And I agree it is usually best to ask the doctor rather than try to research, but part of the problem is that son's oncologist is a generalist and not a melanoma specialist. Also becuase at 22, he is an adult (and not one to ask a lot of questions.) so the doctor is "his" doctor not mine. Actually, he doesnt really like us going with him to "routine" visits anymore, maybe becuase I do ask too many questions! I did manage to get a copy of the pathology reports during one of the visits, but Ben would never have thought to ask for it.

              • January 12, 2011 at 3:48 am
              Becky
              Participant

                Thanks Jan. And I agree it is usually best to ask the doctor rather than try to research, but part of the problem is that son's oncologist is a generalist and not a melanoma specialist. Also becuase at 22, he is an adult (and not one to ask a lot of questions.) so the doctor is "his" doctor not mine. Actually, he doesnt really like us going with him to "routine" visits anymore, maybe becuase I do ask too many questions! I did manage to get a copy of the pathology reports during one of the visits, but Ben would never have thought to ask for it.

              • January 12, 2011 at 3:09 am
              Janner
              Participant

                My assumption would be the immunohistochemistry would be the most accurate pathology.  Surgical pathology I assume is some type of frozen section technique done at the time of surgery.  Frozen sections don't show melanocytes well.  They are seen much better after they have been stained with different types of stains.  So any "immediate" pathology would most likely not be as accurate or comprehensive as one done with prepared stains and slides.  If you have these types of questions, it is probably best just to ask your doctor instead of pouring over texts and articles that can be more confusing than helpful.

                Best wishes,

                Janner

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