A research question about Tumor Size. Help! Ayuda! Aidez-moi!

[LightHouse123]

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If you are trying to determine tumor size for a research project, and there is no imaging, how do you use the pathology report to obtain that data.

Because it appears the pathology report mentions the dimensions of the gross tumor, and a times, the dimensions of a firm structure within that gross tumor (which may or may not have been the tumor)

The operative report may also give tumor size per the surgeon's impression, however, I imagine it is an estimation at best. And it is not always provided.

How do you guys report tumor size? Is pre-op imaging the only bet? Or do most people just use the gross tumor dimension?

Thanks!

 

[RadOncDoc21]

If you are trying to determine tumor size for a research project, and there is no imaging, how do you use the pathology report to obtain that data.

Because it appears the pathology report mentions the dimensions of the gross tumor, and a times, the dimensions of a firm structure within that gross tumor (which may or may not have been the tumor)

The operative report may also give tumor size per the surgeon's impression, however, I imagine it is an estimation at best. And it is not always provided.

How do you guys report tumor size? Is pre-op imaging the only bet? Or do most people just use the gross tumor dimension?

Thanks!

Both, you use imaging and physical exam (if tumor is palpable) for clincal staging, surgical path for pathologic staging.

 

[LightHouse123]

Both, you use imaging and physical exam (if tumor is palpable) for clincal staging, surgical path for pathologic staging.

Thanks for your response.

I guess my question is with respect to the pathologic staging: Do you use dimensions of the GROSS specimen (even though it overestimates the tumor size)?

 

[stankem]

Thanks for your response.

I guess my question is with respect to the pathologic staging: Do you use dimensions of the GROSS specimen (even though it overestimates the tumor size)?

No you would not use the size of the excised tissue which is what it sound like you're asking. The fixed specimen actually slightly underestimates size of fresh tissue in many instances.

 

[LightHouse123]

Thanks! Very much appreciated!